James A. Garfield NHS Magnet

James A. Garfield National Historic Site was established in 1980 to interpret the life and times of the nation's 20th President. Garfield was the last President born in a log cabin. During his short tenure in office, he attacked corruption, initiated civil service reform, and restored some of the prestige to the office of president lost during the Reconstruction period. His administration began March 4, 1881 but was cut short when he was shot by an assassin on July 2. President Garfield died September 19, 1881.