James A. Garfield served as U.S. president from March 4, 1881, to September 19, 1881, for a total of about 200 days in office. His presidency is noted for being one of the shortest in American history due to his assassination after a few months in office. Key points:
- Start of presidency: March 4, 1881
- End of presidency: September 19, 1881 (date of his death)
- Duration: roughly 200 days
- Notable context: Garfield was the 20th president and the last of the “log cabin” presidents; his term was cut short by an assassin’s gunshot less than a year after taking office.
