Garfield, Alberta facts for kids

Garfield is a small community, also known as a locality, located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It's a quiet place, like a tiny village or a group of homes, that doesn't have its own local government.

This community was given its name in honor of James A. Garfield, who was the 20th President of the United States. Naming places after important people is a common way to remember their contributions to history.

Garfield, Alberta: A Glimpse

Garfield is found within Mountain View County, a region in central Alberta. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes and agricultural lands. While Garfield itself is a small settlement, it is part of a larger county that offers various services and natural beauty.

Being a "locality" means it's a recognized place but might not have a large population or many public buildings like a town or city. It's often a collection of homes and farms.

Who Was James A. Garfield?

James Abram Garfield was an important figure in American history. He served as the 20th President of the United States in 1881. His life story is quite remarkable, showing how someone could rise from humble beginnings to the highest office in the country.

Garfield was known for his intelligence and strong work ethic. He was a teacher, a soldier, and a politician before becoming president. His journey to the presidency was full of interesting twists and turns.

Early Life and Education

James A. Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a log cabin in Moreland Hills, Ohio. His family was not wealthy, and he had to work hard from a young age. Despite these challenges, he was determined to get an education.

He attended Hiram College (then called Western Reserve Eclectic Institute) and later Williams College in Massachusetts. He excelled in his studies and became a professor of ancient languages and literature at Hiram College. He even became the president of the college at just 26 years old!

A Leader in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in 1861, James A. Garfield joined the Union Army. He quickly showed his leadership skills and rose through the ranks. He became a brigadier general and later a major general.

Garfield fought in important battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga. His military service proved his courage and dedication to his country. He was a respected leader both on the battlefield and later in politics.

From Congress to President

After his military service, Garfield entered politics. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1863, representing Ohio. He served in Congress for 17 years, becoming a very influential member. He focused on important issues like finance and education.

In 1880, Garfield was nominated to run for president. He won the election and became the 20th President of the United States on March 4, 1881. His presidency, however, was tragically short.

Garfield's Presidency

As president, James A. Garfield aimed to reform the government. He wanted to improve the way people were hired for government jobs, moving away from a system where jobs were given based on political favors. This idea was called civil service reform.

Sadly, President Garfield's time in office was very brief. He was shot on July 2, 1881, and passed away on September 19, 1881, just 79 days after the shooting. His death led to important changes in how presidents are protected and how government jobs are filled.

His legacy includes his dedication to education, his military service, and his efforts to make the government fairer. The community of Garfield in Alberta, Canada, helps keep his memory alive.