Events in 1881

March 4, 1881

Garfield's Presidency and Assassination

James A. Garfield was inaugurated as the 20th President of the United States on March 4, 1881. His presidency was tragically cut short when he was shot by Charles Guiteau on July 2, 1881, and died from complications on September 19, 1881.

May 21, 1881

Establishment of American Red Cross

Clara Barton founds the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., establishing the first major humanitarian organization in the United States focused on disaster relief and emergency response.