Chester A. Arthur Home

New York, United States

The Chester A. Arthur Home was the residence of the 21st President of the United States, Chester A. Arthur (1829–1886), both before and after his four years in Washington, D.C., while serving as Vice President and then as President. It is located at 123 Lexington Avenue, between 28th and 29th Streets in Rose Hill. Arthur spent most of his adult life living in the residence. While Vice President, Arthur retreated to the house after the July 2, 1881 shooting of President James Garfield. Arthur was in residence here when Garfield died on September 19, and took the presidential oath of office in the building. A commemorative bronze plaque was placed inside the building in 1964 by the Native New Yorkers Historical Society and New York Life Insurance, and the house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

The Chester A. Arthur Home is located in Manhattan's Rose Hill neighborhood, on the east side of Lexington Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets. It is a five-story masonry structure with Romanesque Revival styling. It is three bays wide, and has an elaborate cornice, which obscures its low-pitch or flat roof. Windows on the upper three floors are set in segmented arch openings, with splayed stone lintels and bracketed sills. The lower two floors have been converted into a retail space, with a modernized storefront, and the upper floors have been converted to apartments. The interior of the house has relatively little historic integrity.

Chester Alan Arthur moved to New York City in 1848, where he engaged in the practice of law, and in Republican Party politics. He rose in the city's Republican machine to become Collector of the Port of New York, a major patronage post. He was chosen to be James Garfield's running mate in the 1880 election, and became president after Garfield died on September 19, 1881, from wounds incurred in an assassination attempt eleven weeks earlier. Arthur took the oath of office in this house, and retired to it after his term ended in 1885. He died here the following year.

The house was later purchased by William Randolph Hearst. It has since undergone many changes. Today, the building houses Kalustyan's, an Indian and Middle Eastern grocery store, on the first two floors, and apartments on the top three.

It is the only surviving building in New York City where a president was inaugurated.

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Details

Founded: 19th century
Category: Museums in United States

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Luccas Nesello (3 years ago)
Hard to spot
Anthony C (3 years ago)
Interesting to know this was here, but would be nice to have a plaque or something
CARVER NEUENDORF (3 years ago)
Jolly good time! Me and my chump Chester would have quite a great time at his residence! What a church bell he was though. He did like a good game of checker though!
Ken Chester Jr (4 years ago)
Only the second president sworn into office in NYC, with George Washington being the first. Great Indian/South Asian food in the neighborhood, if history makes you hungry!
Joanne Hendrickson (4 years ago)
For the historical aspect it is interesting to see if you’re in the area. From street level it looks nothing like the past house, but is interesting to step back and see some resemblance. There is a plaque with information but unless you actively try to find it, it is hard to see especially with the glare in the window.
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