A Presidential Historian Explains What to Know Before Watching 'Death by Lightning'

A Presidential Historian Explains What to Know Before Watching "Death by Lightning"

The new Netflix limited series Death by Lightning brings long-overlooked figures of American history into focus — President James A. Garfield and his successor, Chester A. Arthur. These men rarely make appearances in the grand narrative of U.S. leadership, often overshadowed by political giants like Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, the Roosevelts, Kennedy, and Reagan.

Historically, Garfield’s story unfolds in the turbulent 1880s, a time when the United States was emerging from Reconstruction, burdened by corruption and moral fatigue. Amid this backdrop rose James Abram Garfield — a man of intellect and integrity. Once a classics professor in Ohio, he became a Civil War hero and served nine terms in Congress, commanding the 42nd Ohio Infantry with honor.

“We should not nominate a man whom we can carry,” he told the Republican convention in Chicago, “but one who can carry us.”

Garfield never sought the presidency, yet after thirty-six contentious ballots, he emerged as the party’s compromise candidate — the unexpected choice to lead a weary nation. His story, alongside Arthur’s, now claims the attention history long denied them.

Author’s Summary

The Netflix series resurrects the forgotten legacy of Garfield and Arthur, turning overlooked history into compelling political drama.

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Town & Country Magazine Town & Country Magazine — 2025-11-06

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