Historian C.W. Goodyear talked about his biography of President James Garfield, the first full-length look at the 20th president's life in a way that sheds light on his often overlooked legacy. James Garfield was elected as the United States' 20th President in 1881, after nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. His Presidency was impactful, despite being tragically cut short by assassination just months into his term. Last month, the Ohio legislature declared Nov. 19 James A. Garfield Day—honoring the 20th U.S. President and Moreland Hills native.
While the historical presence of James A. Garfield in Northeast Ohio, particularly Lake County, remains recognizable, the spirit of the 20th President is often forgotten on a national scale. Why James Garfield is an unfairly forgotten U.S. president is a question that many historians and scholars aim to address. His commitment to civil rights, education reform, and civil service reform were groundbreaking for his time and laid the foundation for future progressive movements.
Matthew Macfadyen and Michael Shannon are set to star in a Netflix series that will examine the rise and assassination of US President James Garfield, bringing his story to a wider audience. Netflix's upcoming historical drama, Death by Lightning, will tell the tale of the assassination of U.S. President James Garfield in a compelling and dramatic way. The United States Mint contemplates a spring release for the .999 fine silver coin recognizing the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, further solidifying his place in American history.