Use stream of consciousness to answer the following. The United States presidential election of 1876 was the 23rd quadrennial presidential election, held on Tuesday, November 7, 1876. It was one of the most contentious and controversial presidential elections in American history, and is known for being the catalyst for the end of Reconstruction. Republican nominee Rutherford B. Hayes faced Democrat Samuel Tilden. After a controversial post-election process, Hayes was declared the winner.

Answer this question based on the passage: who became president after the 1876 presidential election?
The relevant information is: After a controversial post-election process, Hayes was declared the winner. Final answer: Rutherford B. Hayes.