Charles Julius Guiteau: The Assassin of President James A. Garfield

Charles Julius Guiteau (pronounced ghih-TOH; September 8, 1841 – June 30, 1882) was a notable American writer and lawyer whose name became indelibly linked with one of the most tragic events in United States presidential history: the assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. This heinous act occurred on Saturday, July 2, 1881, less than four months into President Garfield's term, casting a shadow over his nascent administration and the nation.

A Delusional Motive and Unfulfilled Ambition

Guiteau's motivation stemmed from a deeply misguided and self-serving perception of his own importance. He harbored the false belief that he had played a pivotal and instrumental role in securing James A. Garfield's election victory in 1880. This delusion led him to expect a significant political reward, specifically a consulship in a prestigious European city, such as Vienna or Paris. When his persistent applications for these coveted diplomatic posts were repeatedly rejected by the Garfield administration, Guiteau's initial self-importance spiraled into profound indignation and a desire for revenge.

Furthermore, Guiteau’s convoluted reasoning extended to a political conspiracy, where he imagined that by removing Garfield, he would facilitate the elevation of Vice President Chester A. Arthur to the presidency. This additional layer of perceived political maneuvering solidified his resolve to commit the unthinkable act.

The Assassination Event and Its Tragic Aftermath

On July 2, 1881, at approximately 9:30 am, Guiteau confronted President Garfield at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C., and shot him. The immediate wound was not fatal, but its consequences proved to be. Despite initial hopes for his recovery, President Garfield endured a protracted and painful struggle. For 79 agonizing days, he battled the effects of the wound, during which time medical understanding was limited and antiseptic practices were not yet fully embraced. Tragically, President Garfield succumbed to his injuries, not directly from the bullet itself, but from severe infections and complications that arose from the wound, ultimately passing away on September 19, 1881, in Elberon, New Jersey. His death highlighted the primitive state of medical science in the late 19th century and the dangers posed by surgical interventions of the era.

Trial, Conviction, and Execution

Charles J. Guiteau was promptly apprehended following the shooting. His subsequent trial became a sensational public spectacle, marked by Guiteau's erratic behavior and claims of divine inspiration for his actions. Despite his attempts to plead insanity, a jury ultimately found him guilty of murder. In January 1882, Guiteau was sentenced to death for the crime. His legal appeals were exhausted, and he was executed by hanging on June 30, 1882, less than a year after the assassination and just two days before the first anniversary of the shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Charles J. Guiteau and the Garfield Assassination

Who was Charles Julius Guiteau?

Charles Julius Guiteau was an American writer and lawyer, born in 1841, who is infamous for assassinating James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, in 1881.

What was Charles Guiteau's motive for assassinating President Garfield?

Guiteau's primary motive stemmed from a profound delusion that he had significantly contributed to Garfield's election victory and was therefore entitled to a high-ranking diplomatic position, specifically a consulship in Vienna or Paris. His deep resentment and desire for revenge over the repeated rejections of his applications, coupled with a secondary aim to elevate Vice President Chester A. Arthur to the presidency, drove him to commit the assassination.

Where and when was President Garfield shot?

President James A. Garfield was shot at approximately 9:30 am on Saturday, July 2, 1881, at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C.

How long after the shooting did President Garfield die, and what was the cause?

President Garfield died 79 days after the shooting, on September 19, 1881. His death was caused by infections and medical complications arising from the wound, rather than the immediate impact of the bullet itself, reflecting the limitations of medical care in that era.

What was the fate of Charles J. Guiteau?

Charles J. Guiteau was convicted of President Garfield's murder and sentenced to death in January 1882. He was executed by hanging on June 30, 1882, nearly one year after the assassination.