Who Was the Real Chester Arthur?
When U.S. President James Garfield was assassinated in 1881, his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, took over amid widespread distrust. Initially seen as a party insider linked to political corruption, Arthur surprised the nation with his leadership.
Arthur’s Background and Public Perception
Chester A. Arthur was known as a New York Republican bureaucrat with a history of patronage and involvement in machine politics. Many Americans doubted his ability to handle the crisis following Garfield's shooting in July 1881.
Presidency After Garfield's Death
After Garfield succumbed to his wounds later in 1881, Arthur was thrust into the national spotlight as the 21st President of the United States, challenging earlier skepticism about his capabilities.
Portrayal in Media
Arthur's story is featured in the 2025 Netflix drama Death by Lightning, which depicts the assassination of Garfield (played by Michael Shannon) by the frustrated political hopeful Charles Guiteau (played by Matthew Macfadyen). In the film, Arthur (portrayed by Nick Offerman) is shown as a minor political figure unexpectedly elevated to the presidency, known for his role as a Republican enforcer and his lively personal habits.
"When Garfield died of his wounds later that year, Arthur was thrust into the spotlight as the 21st President of the United States."
Summary: Chester A. Arthur, once mistrusted as a corrupt insider, proved an unexpectedly capable leader after President Garfield’s assassination in 1881, reshaping his public image.