The Garfield Memorial is an impressive tomb and monument built and dedicated to the 20th President of the United States, James Garfield. He was assassinated in 1881 after only a few months in office, the second U.S. President to die by assassination.
President Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881 and died on September 19, 1881, after 79 days of medical treatment. His death was a shock to Americans and the outpouring of grief led to the rapid creation of this memorial. After lying in the Capitol Rotunda for 2 days, he was transferred by train to Cleveland, with mourners lining the route of his travel. His body was entombed in a temporary crypt while the current Memorial was being constructed.
Garfield was a resident of nearby Mentor, Ohio, and the location of his tomb is lovely Lake View Cemetery, which is known for a number of memorable and interesting monuments. The Garfield Memorial is built on the high point of the cemetery and is constructed of Ohio sandstone, with Romanesque Revival, Byzantine and Gothic architectural influences. The memorial is 180 feet from its base to the top of its circular spire, the spire measuring 50 feet in diameter. There are several exterior reliefs of the president’s life on the outside of the structure. Construction was completed at a cost of about $135,000, which was entirely funded from private donations — even kids mailed their pennies in to help out. It was dedicated in Memorial Day in 1890.
When you enter the Monument you’ll find a circular chamber with an excellent 12-foot-tall marble likeness of President Garfield, surrounded by symbolic art representing the branches of government.
The interior is decorated with stained glass windows commemorating the original 13 colonies.
Mosaics also decorate the interior, such as the one below which was used in last weekend’s One Clue Mystery, showing the Oath of Office. As usual, it was recognized by George G — congratulations as always, George!
There is a balcony near the top of the monument which offers views of Cleveland and Lake Erie, although public access may be limited (it was closed when we visited).
The bodies of President Garfield and his wife Lucretia lie at rest in the crypt on the lower level. His is in the flag-draped bronze casket.
The monument was inscribed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1973. In the past few years it was extensively repaired and upgraded and is in great shape.
If You Visit:
The Garfield Memorial is located at Lakeview Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, It is open to the public during the warmer months (typically May-October). There is no admission fee.
There’s a lot more to see in Lakeview Cemetery, but that’s a topic for another day.
