Rutherford B. Hayes

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States. From his early life in Ohio and his distinguished service in the U.S. Civil War to his political rise and the controversial 1876 election, Hayes navigated a tumultuous period in American history. We explore how his presidency, shaped by the Compromise of 1877, brought an end to Reconstruction, and his efforts in civil service reform, economic stabilization, and international diplomacy. We’ll also cover his post-presidential years, his commitment to education reform, and his lasting impact on the nation. Join us for an in-depth look at the man behind one of the most disputed elections in U.S. history and his contributions to shaping America during the Gilded Age.

Rutherford Birchard Hayes, born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, would rise from modest beginnings to become the 19th President of the United States. His life reflects the broad currents of American history in the 19th century, encompassing the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the turbulent politics of the Gilded Age. Orphaned at a young age when his father died, Hayes was raised by his mother, Sophia Birchard Hayes, in a close-knit, industrious family. His early life was marked by a strong commitment to education, culminating in his graduation from Kenyon College in 1842 and later Yale Law School in 1845. These formative years instilled in Hayes a sense of duty and public service that would shape his future political career.

After establishing a successful law practice in Ohio, Hayes’s career took a significant turn when the Civil War erupted in 1861. Answering the call to serve, he joined the 23rd Ohio Infantry, rising quickly through the ranks due to his leadership and courage. He fought in numerous engagements, including the Battle of South Mountain, where he was seriously wounded. His wartime service, marked by bravery and resilience, helped build a reputation that would carry him into national politics. By the end of the war, he had attained the rank of brigadier general, and his relationship with men like William McKinley, a future U.S. president who served under him, solidified his standing within the Republican Party.

With the Union restored and the war behind him, Hayes turned to politics. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1865, he served only one term but quickly returned to Ohio, where he won the governorship in 1867. His time as governor was marked by efforts to reform public education, expand veterans’ benefits, and fight political corruption. He was re-elected twice, further cementing his status as a reform-minded politician at a time when the nation was weary of the scandals that marred Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency. This reputation, along with his moderate stance on Reconstruction, made him an attractive candidate for the Republican nomination in 1876, a year marked by economic downturn and widespread political disillusionment.

The 1876 presidential election remains one of the most controversial in American history. Facing Democratic candidate Samuel J. Tilden, Hayes lost the popular vote but found himself in a deadlock over the electoral college. Disputed results in Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana led to accusations of fraud and voter intimidation from both parties. To resolve the impasse, Congress established an Electoral Commission, which awarded the contested electoral votes to Hayes, making him president by a single vote. The result was the Compromise of 1877, an unwritten agreement that effectively ended Reconstruction by removing federal troops from the South in exchange for Hayes’s presidency. Though this compromise settled the election, it came at a high cost for African Americans in the South, who were left vulnerable to the rise of Jim Crow laws and disenfranchisement.

Hayes’s presidency (1877–1881) was defined by his commitment to civil service reform and reconciliation between the North and South. He was an early proponent of merit-based appointments, attempting to dismantle the corrupt patronage system that had dominated American politics for decades. Although his efforts were only partially successful during his term, they laid the groundwork for future reforms like the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883. In terms of economic policy, Hayes supported a return to the gold standard, believing it would stabilize the post-Civil War economy and promote long-term growth.

Internationally, Hayes played a significant role in mediating the War of the Pacific (1879–1884) between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. His administration worked to prevent the conflict from escalating into a wider regional war, marking one of the first instances of U.S. involvement in Latin American diplomacy. Domestically, he sought to promote Native American assimilation through education, though his policies, much like those of his predecessors, were controversial and often ineffective. Hayes is also remembered for his handling of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, during which he deployed federal troops to quell the violence, raising questions about the role of government in labor disputes.

True to his word, Hayes did not seek re-election in 1880, instead focusing on ensuring a smooth transition to his successor, James A. Garfield. He left office with mixed public opinion, seen by some as a reformer and by others as a president who had compromised too much, particularly regarding the end of Reconstruction. His departure from the White House, however, marked the beginning of an active post-presidential career.

Retiring to his family estate, Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio, Hayes devoted his post-presidency to public service. He became a leading advocate for educational reform, particularly in the South, and worked to improve conditions for prisoners and veterans. Hayes played a significant role in establishing Ohio State University, reflecting his belief in the power of education to lift people out of poverty. He also remained active in veterans’ organizations, offering support to those who had fought to preserve the Union.

Hayes passed away on January 17, 1893, at the age of 70. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to public service, though his legacy would evolve over time. Initially criticized for his role in ending Reconstruction, Hayes has since been re-evaluated by historians who emphasize his efforts at reform and his commitment to reconciliation. The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums in Ohio stand as a testament to his impact on the nation. His presidency is often seen as a transitional one, bridging the gap between the Civil War era and the dawn of the Gilded Age.

Rutherford B. Hayes was a man shaped by the dramatic events of his time: the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the political battles of the late 19th century. While his presidency was marked by controversy, particularly regarding the Compromise of 1877, his commitment to reform and reconciliation left a lasting impact on the nation. Hayes’s efforts to establish civil service reform, promote education, and mediate international disputes foreshadowed the progressive reforms of the early 20th century. His legacy, while complicated, reflects the challenges of leadership in a deeply divided nation.