Tracing the Steps of Ohio's Presidents

Ohio, home to eight U.S. presidents, offers a wealth of presidential history throughout the state. These presidential homes, libraries and monuments are great places for families to see what life was like throughout U.S. history and how similar (or different) these historic families are to yours.

Harding Home and Museum
America's 29th president was a successful Marion, Ohio newspaperman before he took public office, first as a U.S. senator and later as president. His Victorian home, in the north-central Ohio town of Marion, has been restored and welcomes visitors from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Wednesdays through Sundays and holidays. A press house, located adjacent to the main house, was used during Harding's 1920 campaign and now serves as a museum.

While in Marion, visit Lawrence Orchards, with their petting zoo and seasonal hayrides, and the fun Wyandot Popcorn Museum, home of the world's largest collection of popcorn poppers and roasters.

Harding Home and Museum
380 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Marion
740 387-9630
Web site

James A Garfield Historic Site
Located in Mentor, just east of Cleveland, the James A. Garfield Historic Site features the 20-room Garfield family home, the Garfield presidential library (the first such library) and a variety of out buildings. The home of the 20th president is furnished with period pieces, some of which belonged to the Garfield family. The site is open daily from May 1 to October 31 and on Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year.

A visit to the Garfield Historic Site is easily combined on a weekend trip with the McKinley Memorial (detailed below), which is located a little over an hour's drive away. Other area attractions include Headlands Beach State Park, with its long Lake Erie beach, and Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site
8905 Mentor Avenue (Route 20) in Mentor
440 255-8722
Web site

William McKinley National Memorial and Museum
William McKinley, America's 25th president, is buried in a striking, granite, domed memorial that towers over the trees in Canton, Ohio, about 1 1/2 hours south of Cleveland. Admission to the memorial, which is open daily, is free. Nearby is the McKinley Museum, home to a vast collection of McKinley photographs, papers and artifacts. The museum is open year round and carries a modest admission fee.

While in Canton, don't miss the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the National First Ladies Library.

William McKinley National Memorial and Museum
800 McKinley Monument Drive NW in Canton
330 455-7043
Web site

Grant Birthplace
The three-room cottage where Ulysses S. Grant, America's 18th president, was born is located along the Ohio River in Point Pleasant, just southeast of Cincinnati. The site, open from April through October, is now a museum with period furnishings and is typical of rural, early 19th century homes.

While in the area, enjoy the many wonders of Cincinnati, such as a river boat ride on the Ohio River, a visit to the National Underground Railroad Museum and a trip to the Cincinnati Children's Museum.

Grant Birthplace
1551 Ohio Route 232 in Point Pleasant
800 283-8932
Web site

Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Center
Fremont, Ohio, in the northwest part of the state, is home to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, a tribute to America's 19th president. The site, open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, features two buildings--the Hayes Home and the Hayes Museum. The collection of more than 30,000 items features the Hayes administration state china, an array of 19th century toys and artifacts from the Civil and Spanish-American Wars.

Fremont is just a short drive to Cedar Point, America's favorite amusement park, and the Lake Erie Islands.

Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Center
Spiegel Grove in Fremont
419 332-2081
Web site

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