National Park Service On July 2, 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by assassin Charles Guiteau. For an entire year, until June 30,1882, the day the killer was executed, one story consumed the country. Newspapers covered the trial of Garfield’s assassin in great detail. The description of the shooting, its boldly political motivation, and the bizarre behavior of the defendant in court captivated Americans in shock, grief, pity and anger. Now until September 30, experience first hand pieces that help to awaken the same emotions felt in the year after Garfield's death, in our new exhibit Garfield Obscura. See these items and others, all relating to Garfield’s life, death, and legacy.
National Park Service 
NPS Photo Back To School with Professor Garfield
James A. Garfield’s sparse diary entries for the month ofmAugust, 1856 were uncharacteristically brief. On Wednesday, the 6th of August, he recorded simply, “Commencement. Graduated.” Twelve days later, he wrote “Fall Term. Commenced teaching at Hiram.” Short though these entries may be, we know that the days between them were filled with travel, a journey of over 500 miles. While making his way home, Garfield was full of uncertainty about his future as a scholar. However, he eagerly awaited the beginning of a new academic year, this time in front of the classroom. As he commenced teaching at Hiram, he began a path to what would ultimately take him far. He participated in some of the most intense battles of the American Civil War. He played a major role in some of the most hotly debated political issues of his day. He was elected President of the United States. Here at James A. Garfield National Historic Site, we appreciate the summer months as much as anybody. Our visitation increases nearly tenfold, and our hours of operation are expanded. Some of our visitors and staff inevitably look to the approaching fall, which for many brings another academic year full of wonder, learning, reading, and more learning. The spirit of lifelong learning is what propelled James A. Garfield into politics and ultimately into the White House. That same spirit drives the staff, volunteers, and visitors to national historic sites across the country. To those headed back to the classroom, and to those who never stop learning, we wish you all good luck! 
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Last updated: June 12, 2020