Discover the Only President Born in California (and Where He Was Raised)

The forty-five men who have become President of the United States have all been different. They were born in various states across the nation and come from unique backgrounds. Gerald Ford was the only one born in Nebraska, but George H.W. Bush was one of four born in Massachusetts. When it comes to California, Richard Nixon is the one president born in the Golden State. Let’s explore the only president born in California and where he was raised. We’ll also include some facts about President Nixon and the places around the country where he lived.

The Only President Ever Born in California

There are an astonishing eight presidents born in Virginia, but only one was born in Connecticut. And when it comes to California, just one president was born in the Golden State. Richard Milhous Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, CA, on January 9, 1913. Nixon served as President from 1969 to 1974. He lived in Yorba Linda for a few years before moving to Whittier, CA when he was nine years old.

About Yorba Linda, CA

Located in northeastern Orange County, Yorba Linda has a population of 68,000. The area was inhabited by several tribal nations that included the Tongva, Luiseño, and Juaneño. Spanish settlers arrived as early as the early 1600s. In the early 1900s, a post office was built in town, as well as a chamber of commerce. Eventually, the town also had a library. It was incorporated in 1967.

Other Places Where Nixon Lived

Richard Nixon lived in several places around the country. Let’s take a look at each of those places.

• Whittier, CA: He moved here when he was nine years old, where he attended school and university.
• Durham, NC: He attended Duke University School of Law and graduated in 1937.
• Washington D.C.: After marriage, the Nixons moved to DC as Nixon got a job in the Office of Price Administration. He also lived here while he served in Congress, as Vice President, and as President.
• Alexandria, VA: The Nixons bought a house here in 1942.
• Philadelphia, PA: He worked here at the Bureau of Aeronautics office.
• New York City, NY: He worked as a lawyer at the Nixon, Mudge, Rose, Guthrie & Alexander Law Office. He also lived here after his presidency.
• San Clemente, CA: He retired at his home La Casa Pacifica after he resigned from the presidency.
• Saddle River, NJ: The Nixons moved here in 1981.
• Park Ridge, NJ: The Nixons eventually settled here.

About Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon lived in Yorba Linda before moving to Whittier. He graduated from university there and subsequently went to Duke for law school. Afterward, he served in various military posts during World War II. In 1946, he ran for Congress representing his hometown of Whittier. In 1950, he ran for the US Senate and won. Two years later, in 1952, he was chosen to be Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Vice Presidential candidate and served two terms from 1953 to 1961. He ran for President in 1960, but lost to John F. Kennedy. Then, in 1962, he ran for Governor of California and lost. Nixon practiced law in the 1960s before running for President in 1968. He won the election in a landslide.

Nixon Presidency’s Major Achievements

Throughout his presidency, Richard Nixon enacted legislation that impacted many people throughout the country. Let’s take a look at President Nixon’s highlighting legislation in his presidency.

• Nixon improved the relations between the US and China and was the first president to visit China while he was in office.
• Authorized the mission that sent astronauts to the moon in 1969.
• Although he promised to withdraw troops from Vietnam, the conflict continued with more deployments of soldiers. Eventually, he withdrew from Vietnam in 1973.
• Established the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970.
• Authorized two men to steal files from the national Democratic headquarters to help him in his reelection and then lied and covered it up, which eventually became a nationwide scandal known as the Watergate Scandal.
• Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, knowing he would be impeached by the House and convicted in the Senate for his role in the Watergate Scandal.

Richard Nixon After His Presidency

When Nixon resigned, he went back to San Clemente, CA, as a disgraced man. He didn’t wade into politics in the immediate years, but he agreed to an interview with David Frost in 1977. Nixon published his memoirs in 1978. During the 1980s, he waded more and more into politics — both domestic and foreign affairs.

The Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace opened in 1990. Richard Nixon passed away on April 22, 1994, in New York City (aged 81).

Conclusion

And there you have it, the only president ever born in California was Richard Nixon. He served in one of the most consequential eras of American history. His presidency and the accomplishments that would have made him a good president, however, were marred by scandals and corruption. He nearly became the first president to be impeached and convicted, but his resignation stopped that. Nixon will go down in history for the Watergate Scandal that haunted him for the rest of his life.

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