James A Garfield National Historic Site

James A Garfield

The Porch

Have you heard of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site? It is located at:

James A. Garfield National Historic Site
8095 Mentor Ave,
Mentor, OH 44060

Stepping onto the front porch of a historic home of James A. Garfield known as Lawnfield, this porch isn't just any porch - it's the same one that James Garfield used as a platform to greet thousands of supporters during his presidential campaign in 1880.

But the porch is just the beginning of the adventure at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site. As you explore the grounds, you'll learn all about the Garfield family and their impact on American history.

In addition to its historical attractions, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site offers several hiking trails: 

 Garfield Nature Trail:

Here's what you need to know:

• Length: Approximately 1 mile.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• Features: This scenic trail winds through diverse habitats, including woodlands and meadows, providing opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and nature photography. Interpretive signs along the trail offer insights into the area's ecology and history, enhancing the hiking experience.

Carriage Road Trail:

Here are the details:

• Length: Approximately 1.5 miles.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Features: This picturesque trail follows the path of the original carriage road that once served the Garfield family estate, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside and historic landmarks. Along the way, visitors can explore the site's historic buildings, gardens, and landscape features, gaining insights into the area's rich history and heritage.

Garfield Orchard Trail:

The Garfield Orchard Trail winds through the picturesque orchard near the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, offering visitors a serene and immersive outdoor experience. Here are the details:

• Length: Approximately 0.5 miles.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Features: This short trail meanders through the historic orchard, where visitors can admire the fruit trees and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. Interpretive signs along the trail provide insights into the orchard's history and significance.

Cabin Trail:

The Cabin Trail invites visitors to explore the wooded surroundings near the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. Here's what you can expect:

• Length: Approximately 0.25 miles.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Features: This short trail leads visitors through a wooded area near the historic site, providing opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and peaceful reflection. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as they stroll through the forest.

100-Yard Walk Between Visitor Center and Garfield Home

Visitors should note that there is a 100-yard walk between the Visitor Center and Garfield home.

The James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio commemorates the life and legacy of the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield. This historic site provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about major events in American history, reflect on sacrifices made for the nation, and appreciate presidential history.

For history buffs interested in the Civil War era, the site's museum has exhibits detailing Garfield's earlier career as a major general in the Union Army. Visitors can learn about key Civil War battles Garfield fought in as well as his advocacy for civil rights for African Americans.

The house where James and Lucretia Garfield lived is a historic home that is open to the public. The site also includes a museum that houses a collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the Garfield family and their time in Ohio.

The museum features a variety of items, including the original furniture from the Garfield house, political buttons and medals, and personal belongings of the Garfield family. There are also exhibits that explore the political career of James A. Garfield and his role in the Civil War.

Garfield was an advocate for civil rights and educational opportunities for all Americans. The site includes a reconstructed schoolhouse from his time period, where kids can experience a 19th century classroom. The impact Garfield had on education in America is covered in exhibits as well.

The Garfield family moved to Mentor in 1871, when James A. Garfield was elected to the United States House of Representatives. The house was built in 1865 and was the home of the Garfield family until James A. Garfield was assassinated in 1881 by Charles Guiteau, just 200 days into his presidency.

Windmill

The windmill, located on the grounds of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, dates back to the 19th century when it was originally built to serve the Garfield family's estate. James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, was known for his deep connection to the land and his passion for agriculture. The windmill played a vital role in the estate's agricultural operations, providing power for tasks such as grinding grain and pumping water.

The James A. Garfield Monument and Lake View Cemetery

The Garfield Monument

Located in the Lakeview Cemetery

Address:
12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106

The Garfield Monument, located in Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, is a memorial dedicated to James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Here's some information about the monument:

Garfield Monument:

• Location: Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.
• Purpose: Memorial to President James A. Garfield.
• Architect: George Keller.
• Construction: Completed in 1890.
• Description: The monument stands tall at 180 feet and is made of Berea sandstone. It features a massive statue of Garfield himself, surrounded by various allegorical figures and decorative elements.

Trails at the Garfield Monument

Lake View Cemetery, where the Garfield Monument is located, primarily consists of roads and pathways for visitors to explore, rather than traditional hiking trails. These pathways wind throughout the cemetery, providing access to various monuments, gravesites, and scenic spots.

While these pathways offer a peaceful and scenic environment for walking, they are not typically categorized as hiking trails with detailed lengths or difficulty ratings. Visitors often wander through the cemetery at their own pace, exploring its historical and architectural features.

For more specific details about the pathways and walking routes within Lake View Cemetery, contact the cemetery directly or visiting their official website for updated information on visitor amenities and walking paths. They may provide maps or guides that can help you navigate the cemetery grounds and explore its points of interest, including the Garfield Monument.

I visited both sites with a friend in April of 2024. I actually did not expect the sites to be so interesting and so beautiful. We took a tour of the Garfield House. Honestly, I did not know much about James Garfield before our visit. Then we traveled about 20 minutes to the James Garfield Monument. It was huge! I loved the gothic carvings on the monument. I suggest taking a trip to see both sites.

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!