James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, is a figure often eclipsed by the shadows of his tragic assassination just months after taking office.
Yet, his life is a tapestry of remarkable achievements and intriguing anecdotes that deserve to be explored.
From his humble beginnings as a child born in a log cabin to his ascent as a Civil War hero and a prominent political leader, Garfield’s journey is one of resilience and intellect.
He was not only a gifted orator and scholar but also the first left-handed president, known for his ability to write in multiple languages simultaneously.
In this article, we will delve into some fascinating facts about Garfield that highlight his unique contributions to American history, his visionary ideas, and the legacy he left behind—a legacy that continues to inspire and educate us today.
With that said let’s have a look at some fascinating facts about James A. Garfield;
1. Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Ohio.
2. He was the last U.S. president to be born in a log cabin.
3. Garfield worked as a teacher and later became the president of Hiram College in Ohio.
4. He served as a Union general during the Civil War, rising to the rank of major general.
5. Garfield was elected to Congress in 1863 and served nine terms in the House of Representatives.
6. He was a member of the Radical Republicans, advocating for civil rights and abolition.
7. Garfield was known for his exceptional intellect, reportedly able to write in Greek and Latin simultaneously.
8. He was nominated as a compromise candidate for president at the 1880 Republican National Convention.
9. Garfield won the presidency by a narrow margin, receiving less than 50% of the popular vote.
10. His presidency began on March 4, 1881, making him the 20th President of the United States.
11. Garfield’s administration focused on civil service reform and reducing corruption in government.
12. He appointed several African Americans to prominent government positions, including Frederick Douglass.
13. Garfield advocated for universal education funded by the federal government.
14. He was shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881, just four months into his presidency.
15. Guiteau believed he had a divine mandate to assassinate Garfield due to political grievances.
16. The assassination attempt occurred at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C.
17. Garfield survived the initial shooting but suffered from poor medical treatment afterward.
18. The bullet lodged near his pancreas, leading to severe infections and complications.
19. His doctors used unsterilized instruments during treatment, which worsened his condition.
20. Garfield died on September 19, 1881, from blood poisoning and complications from his injuries.
21. His assassination marked him as the second U.S. president to be murdered, after Abraham Lincoln.
22. The public outcry following his death led to significant civil service reforms in government hiring practices.
23. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was passed in 1883 as a direct response to Garfield’s assassination.
24. Garfield’s funeral was attended by thousands, reflecting his popularity and the nation’s grief.
25. He is buried at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.
26. Garfield’s presidency lasted only 199 days, making it one of the shortest in U.S. history.
27. He was an avid reader and had a personal library of over 5,000 books.
28. Garfield was known for his oratory skills and often spoke out against corruption and injustice.
29. He had a deep interest in science and technology, supporting advancements during his presidency.
30. Garfield was married to Lucretia Rudolph, with whom he had seven children—five survived infancy.
31. He was an accomplished horseman and enjoyed riding throughout his life.
32. Garfield’s early life involved hard labor; he worked as a canal boatman during his youth.
33. He was elected to the Senate after his presidency but never served due to his assassination.
34. Garfield’s assassination prompted discussions about presidential security that would influence future policies.
35. His assassin, Charles Guiteau, was found guilty and executed by hanging in 1882.
36. Garfield’s legacy includes being remembered as a champion of education and civil rights for African Americans.
37. He was an advocate for veterans’ rights and supported legislation benefiting former soldiers after the Civil War.
38. Garfield’s administration faced challenges from both factions within the Republican Party: Stalwarts and Half-Breeds.
39. His political career began at age 26 when he won a seat in the Ohio State Senate before moving to Congress.
40. Garfield’s family faced financial difficulties after his death but eventually received a government pension due to his service as president.
41. His writings include numerous speeches and letters that reflect his views on governance and society.
42. The James A. Garfield National Historic Site preserves his home and legacy for future generations to explore.
43. Despite his short time in office, Garfield’s vision for America continues to resonate through ongoing discussions about civil service reform and equality.
Conclusion
Garfield’s life and presidency, though tragically cut short, are filled with remarkable achievements and enduring legacies that continue to resonate today.
From his humble beginnings in a log cabin to his rise as a Civil War general and a champion of civil rights, Garfield exemplified the American spirit of perseverance and integrity.
His commitment to education, reform, and equality laid the groundwork for significant changes in government practices and civil service that would follow his untimely death.
By studying Garfield’s contributions and the challenges he faced, we honor his memory and recognize the importance of striving for justice and progress in our own time.
