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

Who Was the Real Chester Arthur?

When President James Garfield was shot in July 1881, many Americans doubted that his vice president, Chester A. Arthur, could manage the crises that followed. Arthur was known primarily as a New York Republican bureaucrat entrenched in patronage and machine politics, which earned him little public trust.

Arthur's Unexpected Rise

Despite widespread skepticism, Arthur assumed the presidency after Garfield's death later that year. This sudden elevation placed him in the national spotlight as the 21st President of the United States.

Depiction in Popular Culture

Arthur's story features in Netflix's 2025 drama Death by Lightning, which portrays Garfield's assassination by Charles Guiteau. In the series, Garfield is played by Michael Shannon, Guiteau by Matthew Macfadyen, and Arthur by Nick Offerman.

In Death by Lightning, Chester Arthur is depicted as a low-ranking politician unexpectedly pushed into high office, a Republican enforcer known for his hard partying.

From Party Insider to President

Initially seen as a political insider connected to corruption, Arthur surprised many by his conduct in office, challenging public expectations.

Historical Context

James Garfield was assassinated in 1881.
Chester A. Arthur was his Vice President and successor.
Arthur's political background involved machine politics and patronage.
He took office during a period of distrust but showed unexpected leadership.

“Few Americans expected Vice President Chester A. Arthur to be able to manage the crisis that followed Garfield's shooting.”

Author's summary: Chester A. Arthur, initially distrusted as a corrupt party insider, defied expectations by competently assuming the presidency after James Garfield's assassination in 1881.

HistoryExtra — 2025-11-07