Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States
Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States
Gerald Ford was born 112 years ago today, on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and excelled in academics and athletics throughout his youth. Ford attended the University of Michigan, where he played football, and later earned a law degree from Yale Law School in 1941.
Before becoming president, Ford served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then began a long career in Congress. He represented Michigan's 5th congressional district for 25 years and rose to become House Minority Leader. In 1973, he was appointed Vice President after Spiro Agnew resigned, and became President in 1974 following Richard Nixon’s resignation.
As president, Ford worked to restore public trust in government during a time of political upheaval. He is best known for pardoning Nixon, promoting economic stability, and navigating Cold War tensions. His administration focused on healing the nation and upholding constitutional continuity.
- Gerald Ford was married to Betty Ford, a strong advocate for women’s health and addiction awareness. They had four children together: Michael, John, Steven, and Susan.
- Ford is the only U.S. president to have never been elected as either president or vice president by the Electoral College.
- The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the campus of the University of Michigan. It houses official documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials from his presidency, and is near landmarks such as Michigan Stadium and the Nichols Arboretum.
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