Fairfield in Franklin County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
Chester A. Arthur
Birthplace of 21st President
Photographed By Kevin Craft, August 1, 2010
1. Chester A. Arthur Marker
Although the exact location is debated, Chester A. Arthur was born on Oct. 5, 1829 in Fairfield. He became a New York lawyer and politician and was elected Vice-President in 1880. Upon the assasination of James Garfield, Arthur became president on Sept. 20, 1881. His administration was distinguished by the creation of the U.S. Civil Service, better relations with Central and South America, and the revival of the U.S. Navy. Arthur died Nov. 18, 1886. The State-Owned Historic Site is 5 miles northwest from here.
Erected 2003 by Vermont division for historic preservation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #20 James A. Garfield, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #21 Chester A. Arthur series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1908.
Location. 44° 48.096′ N, 72° 56.735′ W. Marker is in Fairfield, Vermont, in Franklin County. Marker is at the intersection of Vermont Route 36 and North Road, on the right when traveling west on State Route 36. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfield VT 05455, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Consuelo Northrop Bailey (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker
this page online
Photographed By Kevin Craft, circa August 1, 2010
2. Wideview of Chester A. Arthur Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 9, 2015
3. Chester A. Arthur
This 1881 portrait of Chester Arthur by Ole Peter Hansen Balling hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
“When Vice President Chester Arthur succeeded to the presidency on the death of James Garfield, a newspaper noted that he was ‘not a man who would have entered anybody's mind’ as a worthy candidate for the office. Indeed, as a major player in a spoils system that reduced the civil service to a vehicle for rewarding party faithful, he struck many as an emblem of all that was wrong in American politics.
As president, however, Arthur rose above his past to promote landmark legislation designed to curb the spoils system. He also proved to be a foe of other forms of corruption. When, for example, a ‘pork barrel’ bill for public improvements reached his desk, he vetoed it.
This head-and-shoulders portrait can only hint at the fashionable figure that Arthur cut. With his muttonchop whiskers ‘trimmed to the perfection point’ and his suits made of only the finest fabrics, he invariably looked like the very epitome of the well-bred Victorian gentleman.” — National Portrait Gallery
“When Vice President Chester Arthur succeeded to the presidency on the death of James Garfield, a newspaper noted that he was ‘not a man who would have entered anybody's mind’ as a worthy candidate for the office. Indeed, as a major player in a spoils system that reduced the civil service to a vehicle for rewarding party faithful, he struck many as an emblem of all that was wrong in American politics.
As president, however, Arthur rose above his past to promote landmark legislation designed to curb the spoils system. He also proved to be a foe of other forms of corruption. When, for example, a ‘pork barrel’ bill for public improvements reached his desk, he vetoed it.
This head-and-shoulders portrait can only hint at the fashionable figure that Arthur cut. With his muttonchop whiskers ‘trimmed to the perfection point’ and his suits made of only the finest fabrics, he invariably looked like the very epitome of the well-bred Victorian gentleman.” — National Portrait Gallery
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2010, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 949 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 14, 2010, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. 3. submitted on August 21, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
