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, is often overlooked in history. His presidency was brief, lasting only 200 days after a surprising rise as the 1880 election candidate. Despite his short time in office, Garfield is remembered as one of four U.S. presidents to be assassinated, alongside Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy.

The ‘Man from Ohio’ and a Tragic End

Known as the "man from Ohio," Garfield's potential for greatness was widely recognized, but his assassination cut his promise short. A new Netflix drama explores the events that led to the fatal encounter between him and his killer, reigniting interest in his legacy.

Garfield’s Character and Vision

Garfield was a remarkable figure with a sharp intellect, humble demeanor, and strong principles. He was dedicated to fighting corruption and pushing for modernization in the United States.

“If he had lived, who knows what he might have accomplished.”
A President’s Legacy of ‘What If’

Though not ranked among the greatest presidents, Garfield remains the ultimate “what if” in American politics—a leader whose potential was never fully realized due to his untimely death.

Author’s summary: James Garfield’s brief presidency was marked by promise and principle, but his assassination left his potential and vision for a modern America tragically unfulfilled.

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HistoryExtra HistoryExtra — 2025-11-07