Chester A. Arthur was the third man to serve as President of the United States during the year 1881.

True.

Chester A. Arthur was indeed the third man to serve as President of the United States in 1881. When that year began, Rutherford Birchard Hayes held the highest political office in the US. After the inauguration of the new President in March, James A. Garfield was at the helm until he was shot on July 2nd. President Garfield seemed to improve from the wounds he sustained as the summer progressed, but he succumbed on September 19th. The very next day, Vice President Chester Alan Arthur was sworn in as the 21st President of the United States.

Thus, 1881 began with Hayes as US President. After the Inauguration in March he was succeeded by Garfield, who served as the Chief Executive until passing away on September 19th. The day after Garfield died, Arthur assumed the presidency.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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80 Comments

Bill Ahrens

This is a good question. I needed to read the wording twice. There is nothing wrong with the wording. �

George Oliver Prince

If not for inept medical care, Garfield would have lived, and the question would not be necessary. However, unlike some, i liked the question

Rick Hauenstein

The question was fine (and true) but the explanation needed some work.

Bill Coe

Janice, I can see nothing wrong with the way the question is worded. And the answer and explanation could not be more straightforward. But you must have a history with Ben T. because you certainly jumped all over him for a fairly inocuous remark.

barbarjo

Guess something is wrong with me. I understood the question. It was worded just fine I think.

Armadillo

Marla Tankersley, I've heard that somewhere before. Unfortunately I don't get too many wins.

Sandra Latham

Do not understand this! In the answer it said that he was the 21st president.

antonioreyes

Chris Osteen, Read it again.

antonioreyes

CLKmaj, Not in 1881.

CLKmaj

The third President was Thomas Jefferson.

Jim Adams

A great trick question. I got it right but only because I did one of my thesis’ on Chester Arthur. Not a particularly famous name when it comes to American Presidents.