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James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 – September 19, 1881) was an American politician who served as the 20th president of the United States from March 1881 until his death in September that year; he was assassinated in July.
Jun 20, 2024 · James A. Garfield (born November 19, 1831, near Orange [in Cuyahoga county], Ohio, U.S.—died September 19, 1881, Elberon [now in Long Branch], New Jersey) was the 20th president of the United States (March 4–September 19, 1881). He had the second shortest tenure in U.S. presidential history.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Early Years. James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Orange, Ohio, near Cleveland. His father, Abram Garfield, died less than two years later, so his mother, Eliza Ballou Garfield, raised young James and her older children while also managing the family’s small farm.
- The U.S. Civil War. When the U.S. Civil War (1861-65) broke out, Garfield joined the Union army and served as a lieutenant colonel with the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
- Congressional Career. Garfield began serving in the House in December 1863, and would remain in Congress until 1881. During this time, he served on a number of important congressional committees.
- Presidential Election of 1880. The 1880 presidential convention found Garfield campaigning for his longtime friend and fellow Republican John Sherman (1823-1900).
James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, was shot at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C., at 9:30 am on Saturday, July 2, 1881. He died in Elberon, New Jersey, two months later on September 19, 1881. The shooting occurred less than four months into his term as president.
Learn about the life and achievements of James Garfield, the last of the log cabin Presidents who fought political corruption and strengthened Federal authority. He was assassinated after 200 days in office in 1881.
Learn about the life and presidency of James A. Garfield, the last of the log cabin presidents who fought political corruption and won back prestige for the office. Find out how he was shot, died, and was honored by Alexander Graham Bell.
Jul 1, 2016 · Learn how James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, was shot by a deranged gunman in 1881 and died from complications. Find out who the assassin was, how he was caught and why he did it.
