The Final Resting Place- Discovering Where President James Garfield Was Buried

Where was James Garfield buried? This question brings us to the final resting place of the 20th President of the United States, who tragically met his end at the hands of an assassin. James A. Garfield’s burial site holds historical significance and serves as a poignant reminder of his presidency and the tumultuous times in which he served.

James Garfield’s presidency was marked by a brief yet eventful tenure that lasted just over four months. Elected in 1880, he was the second Republican to serve as President, following Ulysses S. Grant. His presidency was cut short when he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a mentally unstable man who believed he had orchestrated Garfield’s election. The President was shot on July 2, 1881, and his condition worsened rapidly, leading to his death on September 19, 1881.

After his assassination, the nation was in shock and mourning. James Garfield was initially buried at the Cleveland, Ohio, Crematory, as his family had chosen cremation. However, public sentiment and the desire to honor his memory prompted a change in plans. In 1882, his remains were moved to the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where he now lies alongside many other notable American figures.

The decision to bury President Garfield at Arlington National Cemetery was not without controversy. Some believed that the President should be buried in his home state of Ohio, while others argued that his final resting place should be a place of national honor. Ultimately, the decision was made to move his remains to the cemetery, which is considered the most hallowed ground in the United States.

Garfield’s tomb at Arlington National Cemetery is a majestic structure, designed by architect John Russell Pope, who later became famous for designing the Jefferson Memorial. The tomb is a fitting tribute to the President’s brief but influential tenure in office. It stands as a testament to the nation’s respect for the man who was taken from us far too soon.

Today, the site of James Garfield’s burial remains a place of remembrance and reflection. Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery can pay their respects to the 20th President, who was buried in a place that symbolizes the nation’s gratitude for his service and sacrifice. The question of “where was James Garfield buried” is answered by the serene and hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, a final resting place that befits the memory of a man whose presidency was marked by tragedy and the promise of progress.