Chester A. Arthur served as the 21st President of the United States from 1881 to 1885. Born in Vermont in 1829, he became a New York lawyer and served as Collector of the Port of New York.
A Republican, Arthur became president after James Garfield’s death. Many expected him to favor the old patronage system.
Key Moments
Instead he signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, which required merit exams for many federal jobs. He also supported rebuilding the U.S. Navy with modern steel ships.
Did You Know
Arthur was known for fashionable clothes and had the White House redecorated by Louis Comfort Tiffany. His party did not nominate him for a full term in 1884.
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