FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2024-148

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (August 8, 2024) – In this edition of Fun with Maps we visit a scandalous moment in the Presidential history of the United States.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN A QUITTER

Fifty years ago, President Nixon addressed the nation to announce his resignation and made it official the next day by submitting his resignation letter to the Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger.

Because of audio tapes proving his involvement in the Watergate scandal, Nixon was facing certain impeachment charges and removal from office.

At this point in history, only one president had been impeached – Andrew Johnson who was not convicted – but no president had resigned while in office.

A month later, President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor, and criminal charges were dropped.

Nixon’s resignation speech is considered among the top 100 public speeches of the twentieth century. 

The speech, resignation letter, and pardon are all housed in the National Archives in Washington, DC.

Tanner’s map of Washington DC from 1841 is shown here.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.