Garfield acquired the home in 1876 to accommodate his large family. The home, named Lawnfield by reporters, was the site of the first successful front porch campaign in 1880. That same year, Garfield had 11 more rooms added to the building to accommodate his large family. James A. Garfield was President from March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881. Four years after his assassination, the Memorial Library wing was added by Mrs. Garfield and her family - setting the precedent for presidential libraries.

Garfield purchased the Mentor residence for several reasons. Until this time, he had been a resident of Hiram and represented the 19th Ohio congressional district. The Democratic Ohio Legislature had redistricted and removed the Republican Party counties of Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, and Trumbull from the district, leaving only the Democratic Party counties of Ashland, Stark and Wayne.

Garfield also wanted a place where his sons could learn about farming, as well as a permanent residence where he could spend his summers while Congress was on recess.

Lucretia Garfield lived in the house at least part of every year until her death in 1918. Her brother, Joseph Rudolph, lived there until he died in 1934. In 1936, Garfield's children donated the house and all of its contents to the Western Reserve Historical Society for use as a museum. Later, on December 28, 1980, the United States Congress would authorize the Garfield home as a National Historic Site.

Over time the Garfield home has become the subject of quiet local folklore suggesting that the past may still linger within its walls. While it is primarily known as a historical site, some visitors and staff have described moments that feel difficult to explain. These experiences have added a subtle layer of mystery to an already powerful historical setting.

One of the most common stories involves a lingering presence believed by some to be connected to Lucretia Garfield. Visitors have reported a calm but watchful feeling in certain rooms, particularly near the library she helped create. Some say it feels as if someone is still carefully preserving the memory of the home just as she once did.

Others have described hearing faint footsteps echoing through the house when no one else is nearby. These sounds are often reported on staircases or in upper rooms where the Garfield family once lived. While the house is old and naturally creaks, many believe the timing and rhythm of these sounds feel different from ordinary settling.

There are also occasional claims of objects being slightly out of place or doors that seem to move on their own. Certain areas of the home sometimes feel colder than others, even when staff control the temperatures. These small details have contributed to the idea that the home may still hold onto pieces of its past.

Outside on the grounds some visitors have described a heavy quiet atmosphere, especially in the evening hours. The stillness combined with the weight of the history tied to Garfield's tragic death has led to stories that his presence or memory may still linger across the property.