James A. Garfield Historic Site

Activity Overview

James Abram Garfield had only served 200 days in office as the 20th President of the United States when he was shot and killed by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. This makes him the president who served the second shortest time in office. Though his time as President was tragically cut short he had had a long and storied career in politics up to that point serving nine consecutive terms in the House of Representatives and working on many important issues including civil rights for African Americans up to the time of his death. At the James A. Garfiled Historic Site you can learn all about him, his entire life and career and his legacy.

Things to Do

• Tour the historic house and gardens.
• Kids between the ages of four and twelve can become junior rangers at the site. All they have to do is ask for a Junior Ranger Handbook at the Front Desk when they arrive. Once they have completed all the challenges and activities in the book they can give it to one of the rangers there who will present them with a Junior Ranger Badge and pencil!
• Scouts can earn merit badges at the site too, details of these badges can be found here.

James A. Garfield Historic Site Insider Tips

• From May until October the site is open from Tuesday through to Saturday. From November to April the site only opens on Fridays and Saturdays and is closed the rest of the week.
• Parking is free on site.
• Youths under the age of fifteen can enter for free. It is free for everyone to visit the site on Veterans Day Weekend and National Public Lands Day.