Potus Geeks Photo: Chet Arthur at Yellowstone

This photo shows President Chester Alan Arthur (front row center) in the snazzy Tam O'Shanter hat. It was taken in 1883 at Yellowstone National Park. The photo is from the Library of Congress and the photographer was Frank Jay Haynes. The Library of Congress identifies those in the photo, left to right, as follows: John Schuyler Crosby, Lt. Col. Michael V. Sheridan. Lt. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, Anson Stager, unidentified, President Arthur , unidentified, unidentified, Robert Todd Lincoln, and George G. Vest. The unidentified men may be Daniel G. Rollins, James F. Gregory, W.P. Clark, W. H. Forwood, and/or George G. Vest, Jr.

Shortly after becoming President, Arthur was diagnosed with Bright's disease, a kidney ailment now called nephritis. He tried to keep his condition private, but by 1883 rumors of his illness began to circulate. By that time he had become thinner and more aged in appearance, as well as less energetic in keeping up with the demands of the presidency. Some attributed it to laziness and Arthur didn't try to dispel those rumors because they helped hide his condition. Hoping to rejuvenate his health by getting out of Washington, Arthur and some political friends traveled to Florida in April 1883. The vacation had the opposite effect, and Arthur suffered from intense pain before returning to Washington. Later that year, on the advice of Missouri Senator George Graham Vest, Arthur visited Yellowstone National Park. Reporters accompanied the presidential party, helping to publicize the new National Park system. The Yellowstone trip was more beneficial to Arthur's health than his Florida vacation, and he returned to Washington refreshed after being away from the city for two months.