Rangers of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site discuss the Ohio service of James A. Garfield and his family.

Prior to serving as the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield served the people of the State of Ohio for a total of 20 years. From 1859-61, Garfield served as a member of the Ohio State Senate representing Portage and Summit Counties. He was a leading abolitionist and supporter of President Abraham Lincoln's efforts to keep the Union intact. Following his two years in the General Assembly, he served as the commanding officer of Ohio's 42nd Volunteer Infantry Regiment and eventually rose to the rank of Major General in the Union Army. During his service in the Union Army, James A. Garfield was recruited by President Lincoln to run for Congress, where he represented parts of Northeast Ohio for 17 years in the US House of Representatives.


The James A. Garfield National Historical Site is operated by the National Park Service and is located in Mentor, Ohio.