Historedia
Person

James A. Garfield

Events
5
Episodes
9
Years
1881–1883

Every event in Historedia whose sources name James A. Garfield, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

  1. Assassination of James A. Garfield: shot by Charles J. Guiteau in Washington, D.C.

    1881–1882

    Role: Victim

    1. July 2, 1881 · Baltimore and Potomac Railroad StationAssassination

      Guiteau shot Garfield at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C., on July 2, 1881, as the president prepared for vacation.

    2. September 19, 1881 · Elberon, New JerseyDeath

      Garfield died on September 19, 1881, in Elberon, New Jersey, from septic shock resulting from the shooting.

    3. January 25 - June 30, 1882 · District of Columbia jailTrial and Execution

      Guiteau was convicted of murder in January 1882 and executed by hanging in June 1882.

  2. James A. Garfield is sworn in as 20th president of the United States

    1881

    Role: 20th President of the United States

    1. March 4, 1881 · East Portico of the United States CapitolInauguration Ceremony

      Garfield was inaugurated as the 20th president on March 4, 1881, at the East Portico of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

  3. President Garfield dies of assassin's wounds

    1881

    Role: 20th President of the United States

    1. 1881-09-19 · Elberon, New JerseyDeath of President Garfield

      Garfield died in Elberon, NJ, from septic shock and complications, ending his presidency.

  4. Charles J. Guiteau convicted and sentenced to death for assassinating James A. Garfield

    1882

    Role: Victim

    1. January 25, 1882 · CourtroomConviction and Sentencing

      Jury finds Guiteau guilty of murder, rejecting insanity defense and sentencing him to death.

    2. June 30, 1882 · District of Columbia jailExecution

      Guiteau is hanged at the District of Columbia jail following a rejected appeal.

  5. Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act passed

    1883

    Role: Former President

    1. January 16, 1883 · Executive Mansion (inferred)Signing of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act

      President Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act into law on January 16, 1883, surprising reformers who viewed him as a Stalwart.

    2. May 1883 · United States Civil Service CommissionCivil Service Commission Rules Issued

      The United States Civil Service Commission issued its first rules in May 1883, establishing merit-based hiring standards.

Sources

  1. James A. Garfield Wikipedia, revision of 2026-10-06
  2. Inauguration of James A. Garfield Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-07
  3. Charles J. Guiteau Wikipedia, revision of 2026-10-05
  4. Chester A. Arthur Wikipedia, revision of 2026-10-06
  5. Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-08