Who Was the Real James Garfield, the Man from Ohio?
James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, remains one of the most overlooked figures in American history. Though his presidency lasted only a short time, he was widely regarded as a leader of great intellect and moral conviction.
A Brief but Promising Presidency
Garfield’s rise to the presidency was unexpected. Emerging late as a compromise candidate in the 1880 election, he won and began his term with ambitious plans for reform. Sadly, his time in office lasted only about 200 days before he was assassinated.
The Tragic End
Garfield was one of only four U.S. presidents to be assassinated, joining Abraham Lincoln (1865), William McKinley (1901), and John F. Kennedy (1963). His death came less than a year into his presidency, marking one of the most tragic turns in the nation’s political history.
The "What If" President
Though his presidency was brief, Garfield’s character left a strong impression. He was known for his intelligence, humility, and commitment to fighting corruption. Many believe that, had he lived, he might have guided the United States through significant modernization and reform.
“In the history of the presidents of the United States, James Garfield is too easily overlooked.”
A new Netflix drama revisits his story and explores the fatal intersection between Garfield and his assassin—an event that changed the course of American politics.
Legacy
While Garfield never reached the heights that history might have allowed, his enduring reputation is that of a president whose vision outlived his time in power, leaving Americans to wonder what might have been.
Author’s summary: Garfield’s brilliance, integrity, and reformist spirit make him one of America’s most compelling yet forgotten presidents, whose potential was cut short by tragedy.