Dr. Todd Arrington
@btarrington.bsky.social
Former Eisenhower Presidential Library Director & James A. Garfield NHS Site Manager. Historian. Writer. Army veteran. History Ph.D. Until recently, a career civil servant. Currently unemployed (not by choice). #ParkChat Hall of Famer.
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The Last Lincoln Republican
Of all the great “what if” scenarios in American history, the aftermath of the presidential election of 1880 stands out as one of the most tantal...
kansaspress.ku.edu
If you enjoy “Death by Lightning” on @Netflix.com, you should read @candicemillard.bsky.social’s “Destiny of the Republic,” C.W. Goodyear’s “President Garfield,” Kenneth Ackerman’s “Dark Horse,” and, if I may be so bold…my own “The Last Lincoln Republican: The Presidential Election of 1880.”
President Chester A. Arthur
Why the Twenty-First President Matters
werehistory.org
November 29, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Continuing my series that no one asked for: “People and history portrayed in ‘Death by Lightning’ that you should really know more about whether you want to or not.”
Today, I give you this piece from 2016, which argues that President Chester A. Arthur deserves a better historical reputation.
Today, I give you this piece from 2016, which argues that President Chester A. Arthur deserves a better historical reputation.
President Chester A. Arthur
Why the Twenty-First President Matters
werehistory.org
November 29, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Continuing my series that no one asked for: “People and history portrayed in ‘Death by Lightning’ that you should really know more about whether you want to or not.”
Today, I give you this piece from 2016, which argues that President Chester A. Arthur deserves a better historical reputation.
Today, I give you this piece from 2016, which argues that President Chester A. Arthur deserves a better historical reputation.
“It is in the interest of tyrants to reduce the people to ignorance and vice. For they cannot live in a country where virtue and knowledge prevail.”
~Attributed to Samuel Adams.
Image: Samuel Adams portrait by John Singleton Copley. Public domain.
~Attributed to Samuel Adams.
Image: Samuel Adams portrait by John Singleton Copley. Public domain.
November 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
“It is in the interest of tyrants to reduce the people to ignorance and vice. For they cannot live in a country where virtue and knowledge prevail.”
~Attributed to Samuel Adams.
Image: Samuel Adams portrait by John Singleton Copley. Public domain.
~Attributed to Samuel Adams.
Image: Samuel Adams portrait by John Singleton Copley. Public domain.
“Death by Lightning” fans… On Nov. 28, 1881, Charles Guiteau took the stand in his own defense during his trial for murdering President James A. Garfield, stating that the shooting was politically necessary & inspired by God.
Image: Guiteau on the witness stand. Historical Soc. of the DC Circuit.
Image: Guiteau on the witness stand. Historical Soc. of the DC Circuit.
November 29, 2025 at 1:26 AM
“Death by Lightning” fans… On Nov. 28, 1881, Charles Guiteau took the stand in his own defense during his trial for murdering President James A. Garfield, stating that the shooting was politically necessary & inspired by God.
Image: Guiteau on the witness stand. Historical Soc. of the DC Circuit.
Image: Guiteau on the witness stand. Historical Soc. of the DC Circuit.
"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable Asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong."
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
November 28, 2025 at 5:38 PM
"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable Asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong."
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
“Death by Lightning” episode one explained.
November 28, 2025 at 1:12 PM
“Death by Lightning” episode one explained.
“Let us at this season of Thanksgiving perform deeds of thanksgiving; and, throughout the year, let us fulfill those obligations of citizenship and humanity which spring from grateful hearts.”
~President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nov. 1959.
Image: Eisenhower Presidential Library.
~President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nov. 1959.
Image: Eisenhower Presidential Library.
November 27, 2025 at 10:07 PM
“Let us at this season of Thanksgiving perform deeds of thanksgiving; and, throughout the year, let us fulfill those obligations of citizenship and humanity which spring from grateful hearts.”
~President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nov. 1959.
Image: Eisenhower Presidential Library.
~President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nov. 1959.
Image: Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Today I’m thankful for those who take an oath and remember it.
November 27, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Today I’m thankful for those who take an oath and remember it.
“I feel that my services to the country should speak for themselves, rather than I should speak for them or of them. Perhaps the customs of the times will modify this…but I hope not.”
~Congressman James A. Garfield on refusing to campaign for a US Senate seat, 11/23/1879.
Image: Smithsonian.
~Congressman James A. Garfield on refusing to campaign for a US Senate seat, 11/23/1879.
Image: Smithsonian.
November 27, 2025 at 3:09 PM
“I feel that my services to the country should speak for themselves, rather than I should speak for them or of them. Perhaps the customs of the times will modify this…but I hope not.”
~Congressman James A. Garfield on refusing to campaign for a US Senate seat, 11/23/1879.
Image: Smithsonian.
~Congressman James A. Garfield on refusing to campaign for a US Senate seat, 11/23/1879.
Image: Smithsonian.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Image: from someone’s eBay page. Sorry, that’s the best I can do.
Image: from someone’s eBay page. Sorry, that’s the best I can do.
November 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Happy Thanksgiving!
Image: from someone’s eBay page. Sorry, that’s the best I can do.
Image: from someone’s eBay page. Sorry, that’s the best I can do.
I’m an Army guy myself, but right now I’m proud to fly a “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag more associated with the Navy. It’s my BlueSky profile banner now. Please use it for yours if you wish. Let’s get as many people as we can to do so. It’s a small thing, but even small things matter right now.
November 27, 2025 at 12:43 AM
I’m an Army guy myself, but right now I’m proud to fly a “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag more associated with the Navy. It’s my BlueSky profile banner now. Please use it for yours if you wish. Let’s get as many people as we can to do so. It’s a small thing, but even small things matter right now.
In every generation, there comes a time when you must publicly declare which side you’re on. That time is now. Tell me: where do you stand?
Think carefully, for your answer to this question will redound to the ages…
Does listening to an audiobook count as reading?
Image: ReadingPartners.org.
Think carefully, for your answer to this question will redound to the ages…
Does listening to an audiobook count as reading?
Image: ReadingPartners.org.
November 26, 2025 at 9:07 PM
In every generation, there comes a time when you must publicly declare which side you’re on. That time is now. Tell me: where do you stand?
Think carefully, for your answer to this question will redound to the ages…
Does listening to an audiobook count as reading?
Image: ReadingPartners.org.
Think carefully, for your answer to this question will redound to the ages…
Does listening to an audiobook count as reading?
Image: ReadingPartners.org.
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was born 193 years ago today: Nov. 26, 1832.
She was a doctor, Civil War surgeon, and women's dress reform advocate, but is best known as America's only female Medal of Honor recipient. Here's a great 2019 We're History article about her from author R.E. Fulton.
She was a doctor, Civil War surgeon, and women's dress reform advocate, but is best known as America's only female Medal of Honor recipient. Here's a great 2019 We're History article about her from author R.E. Fulton.
Dr. Mary E. Walker: “Clothes Make the (Wo)man”
“It is a shame that people who lead reforms in this world are not appreciated until after they are dead…”
werehistory.org
November 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was born 193 years ago today: Nov. 26, 1832.
She was a doctor, Civil War surgeon, and women's dress reform advocate, but is best known as America's only female Medal of Honor recipient. Here's a great 2019 We're History article about her from author R.E. Fulton.
She was a doctor, Civil War surgeon, and women's dress reform advocate, but is best known as America's only female Medal of Honor recipient. Here's a great 2019 We're History article about her from author R.E. Fulton.
I hereby present to you the 2026 America the Beautiful annual pass to national parks & federal recreation lands.
I am not making this up. Per Department of the Interior, this is what the 2026 pass looks like.
And more good news: June 14 is a fee free day for “Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday.”
I am not making this up. Per Department of the Interior, this is what the 2026 pass looks like.
And more good news: June 14 is a fee free day for “Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday.”
November 26, 2025 at 2:46 PM
I hereby present to you the 2026 America the Beautiful annual pass to national parks & federal recreation lands.
I am not making this up. Per Department of the Interior, this is what the 2026 pass looks like.
And more good news: June 14 is a fee free day for “Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday.”
I am not making this up. Per Department of the Interior, this is what the 2026 pass looks like.
And more good news: June 14 is a fee free day for “Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday.”
In early Oct. 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for a national Day of Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of Nov., which that year fell on Nov. 26 (162 yrs ago today).
Here’s a link to more information on Lincoln and Thanksgiving from Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Here’s a link to more information on Lincoln and Thanksgiving from Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Lincoln and Thanksgiving - Lincoln Home National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)
www.nps.gov
November 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM
In early Oct. 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for a national Day of Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of Nov., which that year fell on Nov. 26 (162 yrs ago today).
Here’s a link to more information on Lincoln and Thanksgiving from Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Here’s a link to more information on Lincoln and Thanksgiving from Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
A MAGA we can all get behind.
M ake
A merica
G arfield
A gain
Image: Library of Congress.
M ake
A merica
G arfield
A gain
Image: Library of Congress.
November 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM
A MAGA we can all get behind.
M ake
A merica
G arfield
A gain
Image: Library of Congress.
M ake
A merica
G arfield
A gain
Image: Library of Congress.
“The people—the people—are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts—not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.”
~Abraham Lincoln, speech in Kansas, Dec. 1859.
Image: Library of Congress.
~Abraham Lincoln, speech in Kansas, Dec. 1859.
Image: Library of Congress.
November 25, 2025 at 12:42 PM
“The people—the people—are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts—not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.”
~Abraham Lincoln, speech in Kansas, Dec. 1859.
Image: Library of Congress.
~Abraham Lincoln, speech in Kansas, Dec. 1859.
Image: Library of Congress.
My friends and former colleagues at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum get all the credit for this one. I don’t think they’ll mind if I share it.
If you’re so inclined and happen to be on any of these platforms, please follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube.
If you’re so inclined and happen to be on any of these platforms, please follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube.
November 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
My friends and former colleagues at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum get all the credit for this one. I don’t think they’ll mind if I share it.
If you’re so inclined and happen to be on any of these platforms, please follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube.
If you’re so inclined and happen to be on any of these platforms, please follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube.
Was Zachary Taylor the first assassinated president?
Taylor, 12th POTUS, was born on this day 241 years ago: Nov. 24, 1784.
Taylor died in office on Jul. 9, 1850. Here's an article I wrote about the theory he'd actually been poisoned, which led to his body's exhumation for arsenic testing in 1991.
Taylor, 12th POTUS, was born on this day 241 years ago: Nov. 24, 1784.
Taylor died in office on Jul. 9, 1850. Here's an article I wrote about the theory he'd actually been poisoned, which led to his body's exhumation for arsenic testing in 1991.
Exhuming President Taylor
President Zachary Taylor died on July 9, 1850, five days after becoming ill at a Fourth of July celebration. He apparently overindulged on raw cherries and iced milk; his doctors cited the cause of…
werehistory.org
November 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Was Zachary Taylor the first assassinated president?
Taylor, 12th POTUS, was born on this day 241 years ago: Nov. 24, 1784.
Taylor died in office on Jul. 9, 1850. Here's an article I wrote about the theory he'd actually been poisoned, which led to his body's exhumation for arsenic testing in 1991.
Taylor, 12th POTUS, was born on this day 241 years ago: Nov. 24, 1784.
Taylor died in office on Jul. 9, 1850. Here's an article I wrote about the theory he'd actually been poisoned, which led to his body's exhumation for arsenic testing in 1991.
Beautiful Lake Erie sunset this evening.
This picture would’ve been much better if I’d gotten there about 15 minutes earlier.
This picture would’ve been much better if I’d gotten there about 15 minutes earlier.
November 24, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Beautiful Lake Erie sunset this evening.
This picture would’ve been much better if I’d gotten there about 15 minutes earlier.
This picture would’ve been much better if I’d gotten there about 15 minutes earlier.
“Death by Lightning” fans: please enjoy my interpretation of the fight for the 1880 Republican presidential nomination in convenient meme form.
November 23, 2025 at 8:18 PM
“Death by Lightning” fans: please enjoy my interpretation of the fight for the 1880 Republican presidential nomination in convenient meme form.
“It would at least be decent to wait until the grass is green on the graves of our murdered patriots.”
~Congressman James A. Garfield, 8/5/1865, on the prospect of former Confederates being seated as members of Congress.
Image: Architect of the Capitol. www.aoc.gov/explore-capi....
~Congressman James A. Garfield, 8/5/1865, on the prospect of former Confederates being seated as members of Congress.
Image: Architect of the Capitol. www.aoc.gov/explore-capi....
November 23, 2025 at 1:23 PM
“It would at least be decent to wait until the grass is green on the graves of our murdered patriots.”
~Congressman James A. Garfield, 8/5/1865, on the prospect of former Confederates being seated as members of Congress.
Image: Architect of the Capitol. www.aoc.gov/explore-capi....
~Congressman James A. Garfield, 8/5/1865, on the prospect of former Confederates being seated as members of Congress.
Image: Architect of the Capitol. www.aoc.gov/explore-capi....
Hey everyone, I’m really worried about one of our dogs. She just can’t seem to relax.
November 22, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Hey everyone, I’m really worried about one of our dogs. She just can’t seem to relax.
Today is the 62nd anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 assassination.
Here’s an interview I did several years ago with Alexandra Zapruder, granddaughter of Abraham Zapruder—the Dallas businessman who inadvertently filmed the assassination.
Her book “Twenty-Six Seconds” is excellent.
Here’s an interview I did several years ago with Alexandra Zapruder, granddaughter of Abraham Zapruder—the Dallas businessman who inadvertently filmed the assassination.
Her book “Twenty-Six Seconds” is excellent.
Twenty-Six Seconds: An Interview with Alexandra Zapruder
“I came to understand that our family’s experiences shaped the life of the film and vice versa.”
werehistory.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Today is the 62nd anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 assassination.
Here’s an interview I did several years ago with Alexandra Zapruder, granddaughter of Abraham Zapruder—the Dallas businessman who inadvertently filmed the assassination.
Her book “Twenty-Six Seconds” is excellent.
Here’s an interview I did several years ago with Alexandra Zapruder, granddaughter of Abraham Zapruder—the Dallas businessman who inadvertently filmed the assassination.
Her book “Twenty-Six Seconds” is excellent.