While Vice President, Arthur retreated to the house after the July 2, 1881 shooting of President James Garfield. Arthur was in residence here when Garfield died on September 19, and took the presidential oath of office in the building. A commemorative bronze plaque was placed inside the building in 1964 by the Native New Yorkers Historical Society and New York Life Insurance, and the house was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 12, 1965.
While Vice President Arthur retreated to the residence after the assassination of President Garfield on July 2, 1881. He remained in the house until Garfield's death on September 19th and took the presidential oath of office there. A plaque commemorating Garfield was placed inside the building in 1964 by the Native New Yorkers Historical Society and New York Life Insurance. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 12, 1965.