Calvin Coolidge Timeline

President Warren G. Harding died suddenly in San Francisco on August 2, 1923. Coolidge, visiting his family home in Plymouth Notch, was sworn in by his father, a notary public, by lamplight in the early morning hours of August 3.

Image source: Warren G. Harding

In his first annual message, Coolidge addressed the Teapot Dome scandal and other corruption from the Harding administration, calling for investigations and establishing his reputation for integrity amid the fallout.

Image source: Teapot Dome scandal

Coolidge signed the Johnson-Reed Act, which established national origin quotas sharply limiting immigration, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe, and barred immigration from Asia. It remained U.S. policy until 1965.

Image source: Immigration Act of 1924

Coolidge signed legislation granting U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the United States, a landmark in Native American civil rights. He also adopted a Sioux boy named Noah Seaboy in 1927.

Coolidge's 16-year-old son died of blood poisoning after developing a blister playing tennis on the White House grounds. The president later wrote that the presidency had lost much of its glory for him after the boy's death.

Image source: Calvin Coolidge

Coolidge won election in his own right, defeating Democrat John W. Davis and Progressive Robert M. La Follette with over 54 percent of the popular vote, campaigning on prosperity and 'Coolidge prosperity.'

Image source: 1924 United States presidential election

Speaking to newspaper editors, Coolidge articulated his pro-business philosophy, declaring that 'the chief business of the American people is business.' His administration championed tax cuts, limited government, and economic growth.

The Revenue Act of 1926, championed by Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon, cut income taxes significantly, reduced estate taxes, and lowered surtaxes on high incomes, reflecting Coolidge's commitment to tax reduction.

Image source: Revenue Act of 1926

Coolidge signed the Radio Act of 1927, which created the Federal Radio Commission to regulate the airwaves and allocate licenses, laying groundwork for modern broadcast regulation.

Image source: Radio Act of 1927

Coolidge twice vetoed the McNary-Haugen bill, which sought to raise agricultural prices through government purchases, arguing it was fiscally irresponsible and would benefit few farmers at great cost to consumers.

Image source: McNary–Haugen Farm Relief Bill

The Great Mississippi Flood devastated the lower Mississippi Valley. Coolidge appointed Herbert Hoover to coordinate relief efforts, though he resisted major federal flood control spending until signing the Flood Control Act of 1928.

Image source: Great Mississippi Flood of 1927

After Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, Coolidge awarded him the Distinguished Flying Cross and welcomed him home, celebrating the spirit of American aviation achievement.

Image source: Charles Lindbergh

While vacationing in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Coolidge handed reporters a note stating simply, 'I do not choose to run for President in nineteen twenty-eight,' declining another term despite his popularity.

Coolidge published his autobiography in 1929 and wrote a widely syndicated newspaper column, 'Calvin Coolidge Says,' from 1930 to 1931, sharing his views on current affairs with millions of readers.

Image source: The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge

Coolidge left the White House after five and a half years in office, handing power to Herbert Hoover. He retired to Northampton, Massachusetts, reportedly saying goodbye with characteristic brevity: 'Goodbye, I have enjoyed my stay here.'

Image source: Herbert Hoover

Coolidge chaired the commission investigating the operations of New York City's courts, demonstrating continued engagement in public service during retirement.

In his writings and speeches, Coolidge expressed concern about economic conditions following the 1929 crash, observing that the country was in a depression and warning against excessive optimism about recovery.

Image source: Wall Street Crash of 1929

Calvin Coolidge died suddenly of coronary thrombosis at his home, The Beeches, in Northampton, Massachusetts, at age 60. He was buried in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, beside his wife Grace, who survived him until 1957.