James A. Garfield National Historic Site

Did you know James Garfield was the last president born in a log cabin? Neither did I!

The James Garfield National Historic Site (this is not the log cabin he was born in) is located in Mentor, Ohio and is operated by the National Park Service. Although Garfield was only president for approximately 200 days before succumbing to the gunshot wound from an assassin there is a much to learn about this Union general and career politician at the site. The house is beautiful and something that I would love to have the chance to visit someday, but it won't likely be soon.

The Visitor Center provides a museum like exhibit located in what was once a carriage house. Areas of focus are his early life, Civil War career and his rise through the political rankings and also his assassination. You can then tour Garfield’s house complete with furnishings while listening to a guided tour – approximately 35 minutes. Then there is the expanse of grounds you can walk, enjoy a picnic, and just have a relaxing afternoon.

If you want a little more than that – stop by the site on the first or third Saturday of the month for more in-depth tours. A Behind the Scenes tour takes place on the first Saturday. You get to tour these additional areas: basement, servant’s quarters, third floor, windmill and the barn. The third Saturday features an in-depth look at Garfield’s Civil War career. You can learn about his participating at the Battle of Chickamauga and at Sandy Creek and tour the area of the house that was reserved for the family of Joe Rudolph – Garfield’s brother in law. Both of these tours are 1 ½ hours long and reservations are required.

Also, the Garfield Park is taking part in the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with events throughout 2011-2015. Check out their special events calendar for those events if you are interested.

Admission to the park is $5.00 per person, kids under 15 are free.

To check out a panoramic of the Garfield Historic Site and hear a brief description of the site – go to the Historybuff website.





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