The Day President Carter Signed Jefferson Davis’s Citizenship Bill
On October 17, 1978, in the midst of balancing Middle East peace talks and the daily responsibilities of the presidency, Jimmy Carter signed Public Law 95-466 — officially restoring the U.S. citizenship of Jefferson Davis.
It was the final act in a 13-year journey for Dr. Howard Edward Haller, great-great-grandson of Jefferson Davis, who had promised his grandmother he would see this through.
A Signature Without Ceremony
Howard had written to Senator Hatfield and President Carter, requesting to be present for the signing. He even spoke directly with Ham Jordan, Carter’s Chief of Staff.
But at that moment, President Carter was at Camp David with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin — working toward peace after generations of conflict.
As much as Howard wanted to be there, he understood. Some moments in history had to take priority.
Carter’s Statement of Reconciliation
With his signature, President Carter also issued a formal statement:
“In posthumously restoring the full rights of citizenship to Jefferson Davis the Congress officially completes the long process of reconciliation that has reunited our people following the tragic conflict between the states… It is fitting that Jefferson Davis should no longer be singled out for punishment.”
Reading those words, Howard looked up and whispered:
“Thank you, Granny. I did it.”
The Cost of Keeping a Promise
More than 200 calls.
Over 150 letters.
50+ visits to Washington, D.C.
Thirteen years of persistence.
Through it all, the promise never faded. And with one quiet signature, history was made whole again.
One signature. Thirteen years. A promise fulfilled.