James A. Garfield's Memorial and Tomb

The James A. Garfield Memorial Mark 1

Poor James Garfield: One of the most capable people ever elected president, he was shot in July 1881, just four months into his term, by a disgruntled office-seeker, then died agonizingly 11 weeks later, shoved into the grave by incompetent medical care.

Born in a real-live log cabin, Garfield worked his way up from nothing to become a university president, a highly regarded Union general, and a successful member of Congress before unexpectedly winning the 1880 Republican nomination.

Garfield’s assassination sanctified him, and ensured his place in the pantheon of heroes of Ohio. In the late 1880s, Ohioans helped raise $135,000 to build this stunning memorial to him in Cleveland’s Lake View Cemetery. A stone’s throw from the grave of John D. Rockefeller, the memorial tower features a 12-foot tall statue of the majestically bearded Garfield, along with 14 stained glass windows and murals, (one for each of the 13 original colonies plus Ohio). It is also the only memorial that keeps the dead president’s casket on full display. Garfield and his wife Lucretia Garfield are interred in the crypt along with the ashes of their children

Dedicated in 1890, the memorial is a two story, tower-like building built in a number of Gothic and Classical styles. In addition to the elaborate architectural flourishes, the exterior of the building tells the former president’s life story via five terra cotta panels reliefs featuring over 110 life-size figures. The interior of the building features stained-glass features, mosaics, and an oversized statue of the late politician. If visitors tire of viewing caskets, the observation deck also offers terrific views of the surrounding city.

After serving only 200 days as president, Garfield nonetheless ended up with one of the most elaborate and grandiose memorials of any of America’s leaders. The James A. Garfield Memorial stands as proof that it’s not how long you spend in the White House, it’s what you do while you there.

Update as of September 2024: Back to open daily during the season

Know Before You Go

Entrance on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Once inside the cemetery, signs will point you to the Garfield Monument. While Lake View Cemetery is open all year around, the Garfield Memorial is not. The memorial is open from April 1 through November 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.