Who was the real James Garfield, ‘the man from Ohio’ and doomed president of Death by Lightning?

Who Was the Real James Garfield?

James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, had the potential to become one of the nation’s greatest leaders. His brief presidency ended tragically when he was assassinated less than a year after taking office.

The Overlooked President

Garfield's time in the spotlight was short. He emerged unexpectedly as the Republican candidate in the 1880 election and served only 200 days in office. This short term has contributed to him being largely forgotten in the broader history of American presidents.

Assassination and Legacy

He is notably one of the four U.S. presidents to have been assassinated, alongside Abraham Lincoln (1865), William McKinley (1901), and John F. Kennedy (1963). Despite his limited time, Garfield’s death marked a significant moment in American history.

A Man of Principle and Vision

Known for his brilliant mind and humble nature, Garfield was committed to fighting corruption and modernizing the United States. His leadership style blended firmness with integrity, inspiring many who believed in his potential.

“Garfield is the great ‘what if’ of American politics.”

If Garfield had survived, his accomplishments might have significantly altered the course of the country’s development.

New Perspectives in Popular Culture

A new drama on Netflix explores the circumstances surrounding Garfield and his assassin, reigniting interest in this often overlooked president and his tragic story.

Author’s summary: James Garfield’s brief presidency and untimely assassination left the nation wondering what his leadership might have achieved, making him a compelling figure in American history.

HistoryExtra — 2025-11-07