10 Facts About James A Garfield’s Assassination

The 20th President of the United States

James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, had a short-lived presidency that ended tragically. Here are some intriguing facts about his assassination.

1. Garfield's Presidency Lasted Only 200 Days
   Garfield took office on March 4, 1881, but his presidency was cut short when he was shot on July 2, 1881. He succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881.

2. Charles J. Guiteau Was the Assassin
   Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, shot Garfield at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Guiteau believed he deserved a government job for his support during Garfield's campaign.

The Shooting Incident

The details of the shooting incident reveal a lot about the era's political climate and security measures.

3. Garfield Was Shot Twice
   Guiteau fired two shots at Garfield. One bullet grazed his arm, while the other lodged in his back, near his spine.

4. Lack of Security
   Presidential security was minimal at the time. Garfield had no bodyguards and was accompanied only by Secretary of State James G. Blaine when he was shot.

Medical Treatment and Complications

Garfield's medical treatment was a significant factor in his eventual death.

5. Unsanitary Medical Practices
   Doctors probed Garfield's wounds with unsterilized fingers and instruments, leading to severe infections. The concept of antiseptic surgery was not widely accepted in the United States at the time.

6. Alexander Graham Bell's Involvement
   Inventor Alexander Graham Bell tried to locate the bullet using a metal detector he designed. Unfortunately, the device failed due to interference from the metal bed springs.

The Aftermath of the Assassination

The aftermath of Garfield's assassination had lasting impacts on the nation and its policies.

7. Guiteau's Trial and Execution
   Guiteau was arrested immediately after the shooting. His trial was one of the first high-profile cases where the insanity defense was used. He was found guilty and hanged on June 30, 1882.

8. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
   Garfield's assassination highlighted the need for civil service reform. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was passed in 1883, establishing that government jobs should be awarded based on merit rather than political connections.

Garfield's Legacy

Despite his short time in office, Garfield left a lasting legacy.

9. Garfield's Death United the Nation
   Garfield's prolonged suffering and eventual death brought the nation together in mourning. His funeral was attended by thousands, and he was remembered as a martyr for civil service reform.

10. Memorials and Monuments
    Numerous memorials and monuments were erected in Garfield's honor, including the James A. Garfield Memorial in Washington, D.C., and his tomb in Cleveland, Ohio.

Reflecting on Garfield's Tragic End

James A. Garfield's assassination remains a pivotal moment in American history. His death highlighted the urgent need for better medical practices and security measures for public officials. The assassin, Charles J. Guiteau, believed he was acting on divine orders, showcasing the dangers of unchecked mental illness. Garfield's legacy isn't just about his short presidency but also about the changes his death spurred. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was a direct result, aiming to curb corruption and improve government efficiency.

Garfield's story is a reminder of how fragile life can be and the impact one event can have on a nation's trajectory. His assassination pushed America to rethink its systems and strive for better governance. Remembering these facts helps us appreciate the progress made and the lessons learned from such a tragic event.