Rutherford B. Hayes – Fun Facts

Did you know that Rutherford B. Hayes was the only U.S. President whose election was decided by an electoral commission?

Rutherford B. Hayes was nicknamed Rutherfraud by his political opponents due to the disputed election of 1876.

Hayes was a strong advocate for civil rights and sought to protect the rights of African Americans during his presidency.

He was the first President to install a telephone in the White House, connecting him with important figures across the country.

Hayes was known for banning alcoholic beverages from the White House, making it a dry establishment during his presidency.

One of Hayes’ hobbies was beekeeping, and he even had beehives on the White House grounds.

Hayes was the first President to visit the state of California while in office.

He had a pet goat named Old Whiskers that grazed on the White House lawn to keep the grass trimmed.

Hayes was an advocate for education and believed in equal access to education for all Americans.

He signed the Bland-Allison Act, which allowed for the coinage of silver dollars, supporting the interests of western mining states.

Hayes was the first President to use the term First Lady to refer to the President’s wife, Lucy Hayes.

He fought in the Civil War and was wounded several times, demonstrating his bravery and dedication to his country.

Hayes had a strong interest in Asian culture and implemented policies to strengthen trade relations with countries like China and Japan.

Rutherford B. Hayes – Fun Facts part 2

He established the White House Easter Egg Roll tradition, which is still celebrated today.

Hayes was an avid reader and had an extensive library, even donating a portion of his personal collection to create the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library.

He held the first formal White House reception for African Americans during his presidency, breaking barriers and promoting equality.

Hayes was a skilled horseback rider and enjoyed participating in horse racing and riding competitions.

He was a talented pianist and often performed music for guests at the White House.

Hayes was passionate about environmental conservation and established the first national park, Yellowstone, during his presidency.

He implemented reforms in the civil service, advocating for merit-based appointments and the end of patronage in government positions.

Hayes was the first President to be sworn in by his own father, who was a justice of the peace.

He was the first President to hold a White House flag raising ceremony on the Fourth of July.

Hayes signed legislation that allowed women to argue cases before the Supreme Court for the first time.

He was the first President to visit the state of Colorado while in office.

Hayes was a firm believer in voting rights for all citizens and worked to protect the rights of African Americans to vote.

He implemented policies to reduce government spending and worked to lower the national debt during his presidency.

Hayes dedicated a portion of his salary to establishing a trust fund for the education of orphaned children.

He was the first President to serve two consecutive terms in office since Ulysses S. Grant.

Hayes was a conservationist and established several national forests during his presidency.

He supported the development of agricultural colleges and advocated for advancements in farming practices.

Hayes was the first President to visit the state of Oregon while in office.

He signed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted immigration from China, a controversial move at the time.

Hayes implemented measures to improve civil service examinations, promoting fairness and merit-based appointments.

He was the first President to have a telephone installed in his private residence after leaving the White House.

Hayes advocated for the establishment of a national weather service, recognizing the importance of accurate weather forecasting.

He was known for his honesty and integrity, earning him the nickname President Rutherfraud from his opponents.

Hayes was the first President to have a typewriter in the White House, improving efficiency in correspondence.

He worked to address issues of corruption and fraud in government contracts, implementing stricter regulations to combat these problems.

Hayes was an advocate for temperance and supported campaigns against alcohol abuse and the Temperance Movement.

He signed the law allowing for the admission of Colorado as a state, expanding the country’s territory.

Hayes established the first government agency dedicated to patent protection and innovation, known as the Patent Office.

He hosted the first Easter egg roll on the White House grounds, starting a long-standing tradition.

Hayes was an early adopter of new technologies, including the use of the telephone in his presidential campaign.

He advocated for prison reform and worked to improve conditions for inmates, recognizing the importance of rehabilitation.

Hayes was the first President to have his Inauguration Day on March 5th, due to the timing of the disputed election.