Hey there fellow hiking enthusiasts! Have you ever heard of the First Ladies National Historic Site in downtown Canton, Ohio? If not, let me tell you all about this hidden gem that is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and the role of First Ladies in shaping our nation.
The site consists of two properties - the home of First Lady Ida Saxton-McKinley and an Education Center where you can learn all about how the position of First Lady has evolved over time to include a public role. As a huge fan of hiking and exploring new places, I can't recommend this site enough for anyone looking to dive deeper into the history of our country and the incredible women who have served as First Lady.
First Ladies of the United States
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"A position where I can do the most good..." -
Eleanor Roosevelt Over 50 women have held the role of First Lady as of today. However,
not all those who have served as a first lady were spouses to the presidents.
If the president was a bachelor or widower, or if his wife was unable or
unwilling to perform the role, other female relatives or friends were called
upon to carry out the first lady's official duties; thus, there have been
more first ladies than presidents. For more information and biographies on
each of the first ladies, visit the National
First Ladies Library. Our First Ladies Martha Washington Abigail Adams Martha
"Patsy" Jefferson Randolph Dolley Madison Elizabeth Monroe Louisa Adams Rachel Jackson Emily Donelson Sarah Jackson Angelica Van Buren Anna Harrison Jane Harrison Letitia Tyler Pricilla Cooper
Tyler Julia Tyler Sarah Polk Margaret Taylor Mary
"Betty" Bliss Abigail Fillmore Jane Pierce Harriet Lane Mary Lincoln Eliza Johnson Martha Johnson
Patterson Julia Dent Grant Lucy Hayes Lucretia Garfield Ellen Arthur Mary Arthur
McElroy |
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Rose Cleveland Frances Cleveland Caroline Harrison Mary McKee Ida McKinley Edith Roosevelt Helen Taft Ellen Wilson Margaret W. Wilson Edith Wilson Florence Harding Grace Coolidge Lou Hoover Eleanor
Roosevelt Bess Truman Mamie Eisenhower Jacqueline Kennedy Lady Bird Johnson Patricia Nixon Betty Ford Rosalynn Carter Nancy Reagan Barbara Bush Hillary Clinton Laura Bush Michelle Obama Melania Trump Dr. Jill Biden |
National First Ladies
Visitor and Education Center
Begin your visit at the visitor center, located in Canton's historic City National Bank. At the visitor center visitors can explore our small museum of rotating exhibits, watch a film, earn Junior Ranger badges, and get their official passport cancellation.
Address
205 Market Avenue South
Canton, OH 44702-2105
Directions
Of Course You Want To Go!
Saxton-McKinley House
Home of the National First Ladies Library
In 1998, the Saxton-McKinley House became the home of the National First Ladies Library. The new library was dedicated at a ceremony attended by former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
The purpose of the National First Ladies Library is to house and make available the collection and library of materials about the first ladies. This library is the only one of its kind, focusing solely on the First Ladies of the United States.
The Education Center
The Education Center, located at 123 E. Market Street, is a modern facility that houses educational programs and exhibits about the First Ladies of the United States. The center features interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and artifacts from the collections of the National First Ladies' Library.
Ida Saxton-McKinley's House
The library itself is unique, as is the story of the Saxton-McKinley House. The National First Ladies Library took great care in carefully restoring the home to the Victorian era with the help of Dr. Sheila Fisher. After leading the restoration process of the Saxton-McKinley House, Dr. Fisher described the job as being one of "historic restoration and historic renovation."
Aside from being a beautiful Victorian building, the Saxton-McKinley House is the last remaining home with direct ties to Ida and William McKinley in their hometown of Canton, Ohio. Ida Saxton McKinley was born and raised in the home, and it remained in her family until 1919. Additionally, the house served as the primary residence for Mr. and Mrs. McKinley from 1878 to 1891 while William served in the United States House of Representatives.
As is the case with many historic residences, the Saxton-McKinley House was constructed in several parts. The rear of the home was built in 1841 by George Dewalt, Ida's maternal grandfather. George would later will the home to Ida's parents, Katherine Dewalt and John Saxton. In 1870, John added the front section onto the home to make room for his large family, which included Katherine, Ida and her two siblings, and their Grandfather Dewalt.
Walking through the home of Ida Saxton-McKinley, you can truly feel the presence of history as you learn about her life and the impact she had on the country during her time as First Lady.
Not Your Average Hike
As someone who loves spending time outdoors and immersing myself in nature, I found the First Ladies National Historic Site to be a refreshing change of pace from my usual hiking adventures. It was fascinating to learn about the challenges and triumphs that these women faced during their time in the White House, and how they used their platform to advocate for important causes.
From the fight for women's right to vote to tales of heartbreak and hope inside the White House, First Ladies National Historic Park explores the humanity behind the women of the Presidential families. Through their stories, we better understand the history of our nation and the changes these remarkable women inspired.
Well this is a Hiking Blog!
In addition to the parks's historical attractions, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy. The park has several walking trails. For example there is the First Ladies Heritage Trail, which takes you on a tour of the park's historic buildings and landmarks.
So next time you're looking for a new hiking destination, why not consider a trip to the First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton, Ohio? You won't be disappointed by the rich history and fascinating stories that await you at this unique and educational site. And there are many hiking and biking trails of all different distances and difficulty nearby to enjoy. I have not visited these trails. I plan to do so in the future. If anyone has visited these trails, please let me know.
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Middle Branch Trail
https://starkparks.com/parks/middle-branch-trail/ -
Fairhope Nature Preserve
https://cantonparksandrec.com/park/fairhope-nature-preserve/ -
West Branch Trail
https://starkparks.com/parks/west-branch-trail/ -
Hoover Park Trail
https://starkparks.com/ -
Covered Bridge Park
https://cantonparksandrec.com/parks/ -
Martindale Park
https://cantonparksandrec.com/parks/ -
Ink Park
https://cantonparksandrec.com/parks/ -
Frank Esmont Park
https://starkparks.com/parks/esmont-park/ -
Devonshire Park
https://starkparks.com/
It is really amazing that Ohio has this historic park.
If you have something you would like to submit to have posted on this website, such as a blog submission or a new hiking trail you think we should check out, please contact us!
