The presidency
A special electoral commission resolved the contested 1876 election in Hayes’s favor. In 1877, he withdrew troops protecting Republican governments in Louisiana and South Carolina. That decision helped consolidate Democratic control and weakened federal protection for Black citizens. He also challenged patronage practices in the civil service and supported sound-money policies. A major railroad strike tested his administration’s handling of labor unrest.
Before the White House
Delaware, Ohio
Born October 4, 1822.
Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio. He attended Kenyon College and Harvard Law School, then practiced law in Ohio. During the Civil War, he served in the Union army and was wounded several times. His later service in Congress and as Ohio’s governor prepared him for national office.
Key moments
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Born in Delaware, Ohio
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Took office after a disputed election.
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Vetoed the Bland-Allison silver bill.
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Vetoed restrictions on Chinese immigration.
Notable laws & actions
These entries distinguish laws, treaties, executive decisions, and proposals. Congress passes statutes; presidents sign or veto them. A president does not act alone.
Bland–Allison Act: passed over his veto
Required federal purchases of silver for coinage. Hayes opposed the measure, but Congress overrode him.
Civil-service reform efforts
Used appointments and executive authority to challenge the patronage system. The landmark Pendleton law came later, during Arthur’s presidency.
Legacy
Hayes helped advance the case for selecting public employees on merit rather than party loyalty. His presidency also makes clear that national reconciliation could come at the expense of people whose rights still required federal protection.
Miller Center · Biography & facts ↗
Controversies
His withdrawal of troops weakened protection for Black Southerners.
In their words
“It is the desire of the good people of the whole country that sectionalism as a factor in our politics should disappear.”Fourth Annual Message · Quoted by the Miller Center ↗
This excerpt is attributed to Rutherford B. Hayes in the Miller Center’s biography. Its source is identified there as “Fourth Annual Message.” Read the source alongside the record of the presidency.
Short excerpt; wording and capitalization follow the cited source.
Look closer
View image source record ↗
Reading a portrait
Look at the clothing, pose, expression, and background. What impression of leadership does this image create?
A portrait represents one moment and one choice of presentation. Compare its message with the decisions described in this biography.
Test your knowledge
Try answering before opening each explanation.
Where was Rutherford B. Hayes born?
Delaware, Ohio.
When did this president serve?
1877–1881.
What is one law or action associated with this presidency?
Bland–Allison Act: passed over his veto. Required federal purchases of silver for coinage. Hayes opposed the measure, but Congress overrode him.
What is one lasting part of this president’s legacy?
Hayes helped advance the case for selecting public employees on merit rather than party loyalty. His presidency also makes clear that national reconciliation could come at the expense of people whose rights still required federal protection.
Sources & further reading
The linked biographies support the life history and policy summaries above. Quotations and image credits have their own source links.
- Miller Center · Biography & facts
- Miller Center · Early life
- Miller Center · Domestic affairs
- Miller Center · Foreign affairs
- Miller Center · Life in brief
- Portrait source record
Prepared September 23, 2026.