Why Charles Guiteau Killed President Garfield: Inside the 1881 Assassination That Changed American History

In one of the most shocking crimes in U.S. history, President James A. Garfield was assassinated by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. The shooting took place inside the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C., forever altering the course of the American presidency and political reform.

Guiteau’s attack on Garfield was not a random act. It stemmed from delusion, rejection, and political obsession. The event exposed weaknesses in the nation’s patronage system and sparked changes that redefined the federal government in the Gilded Age.

How Charles Guiteau’s Obsession Led to the Death of President Garfield

Charles Julius Guiteau was a failed preacher, writer, and lawyer who believed he was divinely chosen to shape America’s destiny. In 1880, he became an ardent supporter of Garfield during the Republican campaign. When Garfield won the presidency, Guiteau became convinced that his minor campaign pamphlet entitled “Garfield Against Hancock” earned him a government job.

After repeated rejections from the White House and Secretary of State James G. Blaine, Guiteau’s frustration turned to rage. Convinced that God had commanded him to remove Garfield for the good of the Republican Party, he purchased a revolver and stalked the president for weeks.

On the morning of July 2, 1881, as President Garfield arrived at the Washington train station with his secretary of state, Guiteau approached and fired two bullets at him. One struck Garfield in the arm, and the other lodged in his back. Although Garfield initially survived, infections from poor medical treatment ultimately led to his death on September 19, 1881.

According to historical accounts covered by outlets like the Associated Press and Smithsonian Magazine, the president’s prolonged suffering and the primitive medical care he received shocked the public and exposed how ill-prepared the nation was to handle such a crisis.

Guiteau (National Library of Medicine )

The Trial and Execution of Charles Guiteau

Charles Guiteau was arrested at the scene, calmly declaring, “I am a Stalwart, and Arthur is now President.” His trial became one of the most sensational of the 19th century. He argued that he had acted under divine inspiration and therefore could not be held legally responsible.

Despite his erratic behavior and self-representation in court, Guiteau was found guilty of murder. His appeals for clemency were denied, and he was executed by hanging on June 30, 1882. Witnesses described him as singing hymns moments before his death.

The case raised questions about insanity and criminal responsibility, leading to early discussions about mental illness in the justice system. Guiteau’s brain was later examined by medical experts, many of whom concluded he suffered from severe psychosis.

Legacy of the Garfield Assassination

President Garfield’s death had lasting consequences for American politics. Public outrage over the assassination and the spoils system that had motivated Guiteau led to the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883. This law created a merit-based system for government jobs, ending decades of political favoritism.

Historians often point to Garfield’s death as a tragic turning point that modernized federal administration. It also influenced how presidential security and medical care would evolve in the decades that followed.

More than 140 years later, the story of why Charles Guiteau killed President Garfield remains a haunting reflection on power, mental illness, and the fragility of leadership during one of America’s most turbulent political eras.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Charles Guiteau assassinate President Garfield?

Guiteau believed he was carrying out a divine mission after being denied a government job. He claimed God ordered him to kill Garfield for the good of the Republican Party.

Q2: When and where was President Garfield shot?

President Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881, at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C.

Q3: How long did President Garfield live after being shot?

Garfield survived for 79 days after the shooting but died on September 19, 1881, due to infection and medical complications.

Q4: What law was passed because of Garfield’s assassination?

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was enacted to end the patronage system that contributed to the assassination.

Q5: What happened to Charles Guiteau after his conviction?

Guiteau was found guilty and executed by hanging on June 30, 1882, in Washington, D.C.