Calvin Coolidge in the Black Hills

“Well-written . . . analysis and insight into what role the crisp, clean Black Hills air may have had in the culmination of a successful political career” ( The Washington Times ). On August 2, 1927, President Calvin Coolidge shocked the nation by announcing he would not seek reelection. The declaration came from the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Coolidge was vacationing to escape the oppressive Washington summer and to win over politically rebellious farmers. He passed his time at rodeos,