1849 - 1885: The era of bad presidents?

[Donald Ian Rankin]

I've just been browsing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_rankings_of_Presidents_of_the_United_States

The think that immediately leaps out from the table is the solid block of green and blue at the top - unsurprisingly, Americans have a quasi-religious veneration for their founding fathers.

But the second most striking thing is the block of poorly-thought-of presidents from Zachary Taylor to Chester A Arthur, with only Lincoln in that period standing out as universally revered. And before that, Polk is well-regarded, but the three before him, back to Van Buren in 1837, are not.

Does that tally with the views of DUers? Was the mid 19th century a particularly bleak period for American governance?

[SheilaT]

1. Garfield was actually a very good President, considering how short a time he was in office.

I highly recommend the book Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. It's about the assassination of Garfield, and event that is almost totally forgotten today. Excellent book by an amazing writer.

[leveymg]

2. Who's buried in Grant's Tomb?

Famous question that more than 70% of college educated Americans get wrong.

The period coincided with industrialization and the rise of business tychoons in America - politics on every level were incredibly corrupt. Not surprising that with one exception the Presidents are not well remembered.