Today in History: Rutherford B. Hayes


Today in History–October 4–the Library of Congress features President Rutherford B. Hayes, born on this day in 1822. After a bitterly contested election, Hayes became the nineteenth president of the United States in 1877 thanks to the vote of a special electoral commission. Learn more about Rutherford’s fascinating four years as chief executive by reviewing the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary resources and stories related to this president.

Rutherford Birchard Hayes Was Born from America’s Library

Primary Source Spotlight: 1876 Contested Presidential Election

Rutherford B. Hayes historical newspaper coverage

President Hayes historical newspaper coverage

Rutherford B. Hayes presidential inauguration items March 5, 1877

Rutherford B. Hayes’s First Annual Message to Congress December 3, 1877

Select political cartoons

More Rutherford B. Hayes political cartoons

Rutherford B. Hayes image set

Letter from Rutherford B. Hayes to Benjamin Harrison March 5, 1889

Periodical articles

Books & other texts related to Rutherford B. Hayes

Hayes sheet music

Sheet music

POTUS: Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center

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