Who Was Chester Arthur?
When US President James Garfield was assassinated in 1881, his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, unexpectedly assumed the presidency amid widespread distrust. Initially seen as a New York Republican party insider tied to political corruption, Arthur had a reputation as a bureaucrat involved in patronage and machine politics, causing low public confidence in his abilities.
Arthur’s Rise to the Presidency
After Garfield was shot in July 1881 and later died from his wounds that year, Arthur was suddenly thrust into the national spotlight as the 21st President of the United States. Few Americans believed he could handle the crisis following the assassination.
Portrayal in Popular Culture
Arthur’s story is a backdrop in the 2025 Netflix drama Death by Lightning, which depicts the assassination of Garfield by Charles Guiteau. In the film, Garfield is played by Michael Shannon, while Chester Arthur is portrayed by Nick Offerman.
“Chester Arthur is portrayed as something of a low man pushed into high office, a Republican enforcer famed for his carousing.”
Relationship with James Garfield
Although Arthur was Garfield’s vice president, their relationship was distant, and Arthur’s reputation before the assassination suggested he was a party insider rather than a respected leader.
Arthur’s unexpected rise and subsequent presidency contrasted sharply with the limited expectations many had for him, reshaping his legacy in American history.
Author's summary: Chester Arthur, once doubted due to political ties, unexpectedly became a significant and surprising leader after Garfield's assassination, redefining his public image.