Calvin Coolidge | Miller Center (2025)

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University of Virginia Miller Center

University of Virginia Miller Center

1872 - 1933

Calvin Coolidge

The fundamental precept of liberty is toleration. We cannot permit any inquisition either within or without the law or apply any religious test to the holding of office. The mind of America must be forever free.Inaugural Address

Overview

A quiet and somber man whose sour expression masked a dry wit, Calvin Coolidge was known as "Silent Cal." After learning of his ascendancy to the presidency following the death of Warren Harding in 1923, Coolidge was sworn in by his father, a justice of the peace, in the middle of the night and, displaying his famous "cool," promptly went back to bed.

Life In Depth Essays

  • Life in Brief
  • Life Before the Presidency
  • Campaigns and Elections
  • Domestic Affairs
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Life After the Presidency
  • Family Life
  • Impact and Legacy

Fast Facts

Plymouth Notch, Vermont

Amherst College (graduated 1895)

Congregationalist

Lawyer

Republican

“Silent Cal”

October 4, 1905, to Grace Anna Goodhue (1879–1957)

John (1906–2000), Calvin (1908–1924)

30

Plymouth Notch, Vermont

Calvin Coolidge | Miller Center (2)

Chicago Style

Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia. “Calvin Coolidge.” Accessed August 09, 2024. https://millercenter.org/president/coolidge.

Professor of History and Journalism

David Greenberg

Professor Greenberg is a professor of history and of journalism and media studies at Rutgers University.

Featured Insights

Calvin Coolidge: That vision thing A roundup of books about the presidency of Calvin Coolidge
By the book: Calvin Coolidge Miller Center experts review the best books on Coolidge
First Annual Message President Coolidge’s first Annual Message was the first such address to be broadcast to the nation via radio
Herbert Hoover versus the Great Depression The Great Depression began a year after Calvin Coolidge left office

Speeches

View All Speeches

Calvin Coolidge | Miller Center (7)

March 4, 1925: Inaugural Address

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October 20, 1925: Message Regarding Relationship of Church and State

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August 10, 1927: Address at the Opening of Work on Mount Rushmore in Black Hills, SD

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Calvin Coolidge | Miller Center (2025)
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