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James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 – September 19, 1881) was the 20th president of the United States, serving from March 1881 until his assassination in September that year.
- 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).
Sep 15, 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
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.
Sep 15, 2024 · Learn about the 20th president of the United States, who was shot and killed by a disgruntled office seeker after only four months in office. Explore his achievements, challenges, and controversies in education, civil rights, and foreign affairs.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
James A. Garfield is remembered as one of the four "lost Presidents" who served rather uneventfully after the Civil War. Of the four lost Presidents—Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, and Harrison—Garfield is best remembered for his dramatic assassination a mere 100 days after he assumed office.
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.
