Chester A. Arthur House

Designated a National Historic Landmark of New York City on 12/12/1965.

Landmark Description

In the early morning hours of September 20, 1881, Vice President Chester A. Arthur took the oath of office as the 21st president of the United States in a private ceremony at his New York City home. The assassin’s bullet that wounded President James Garfield in July had claimed his life the day before. Arthur lived in this handsome four-story brownstone townhouse on Lexington Avenue for most of his adult life. Arthur was a spoils man and staunch supporter of Roscoe Conkling’s Republican machine in New York State as vice president. As president, he became a champion of civil service reform, encouraging government appointments based on merit and creating the Civil Service Commission. Although respected as president, he made too many enemies to win re-nomination and retired to his New York City home at the end of his single term. He died there two years later.

Category: Building-Residence

Location

Street: 123 Lexington Ave.

Borough: Manhattan

County: New York

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Library of Congress (LOC) Picture Collection
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National Park Service - National Historic Landmarks Site
National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, just over 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction. Working with citizens throughout the nation, the National Historic Landmarks Program draws upon the expertise of National Park Service staff who guide the nomination process for new Landmarks and provide assistance to existing Landmarks.
LOC Historic American Building Survey
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LandmarkHunter.com
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Wikipedia - National Historic Landmarks in NYC
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Go Historic Site
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