Who was the real Chester Arthur – and what was his relationship with James Garfield?

Who Was the Real Chester Arthur and His Relationship with James Garfield?

When US President James Garfield was shot in July 1881, few expected his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, to handle the ensuing crisis effectively. Arthur was known as a New York Republican party bureaucrat entrenched in patronage and machine politics, with little public trust.

After Garfield died from his wounds later that year, Arthur unexpectedly assumed the presidency, becoming the 21st President of the United States. Although once viewed as a party insider tied to corruption, Arthur surprised the nation during his tenure.

Chester Arthur’s Portrayal in Modern Media

Arthur’s story features quietly in the background of Netflix’s 2025 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 Death by Lightning, Chester Arthur (played by Nick Offerman) is portrayed as a low-ranking enforcer thrust into high office, known for his indulgent lifestyle and reputation as a Republican enforcer.

Summary

Chester A. Arthur rose from a distrusted political insider to a surprising and capable president following Garfield’s assassination, reshaping his public image beyond machine politics.

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HistoryExtra — 2025-11-07

Who Was the Real Chester Arthur and His Relationship with James Garfield?

Chester Arthur’s Portrayal in Modern Media

Summary

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