Rutherford B. Hayes (president 1877-1881), when he is remembered at all, is known for his contentious election in 1876, which was finally decided by a Congressional commission after he agreed to end Reconstruction. This ignoble compromise meant that millions of African-American former slaves would be denied their full liberties for decades to come.
History buffs may know that Hayes' first lady, Lucy Hayes, was dubbed "Lemonade Lucy," because she inspired her husband to ban alcohol from the White House.
In Paraguay, however, Hayes has a different legacy. Turns out, Hayes arbitrated an 1878 dispute between Argentina and Paraguay in the latter's favor — a decision that gave Paraguay 60 percent of its current territory. That act, which "only occupied a few hours of his life," according to the director of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, is honored in Paraguay with:
- A province: Presidente Hayes province (capital: Villa Hayes)
- A holiday: Nov. 12, the anniversary of the decision, celebrated in Presidente Hayes province
- A soccer team: Presidente Hayes soccer club, based in the capital, Asuncion (also known as "Los Yanquis")
- A postage stamp, the design of which was chosen in a contest run by the U.S. Embassy
- A recovery gift: a girl who came out of a coma got her fondest wish — a trip to the Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio
Paraguay's displays, bouquets praise USA's Hayes (AP story)