Visiting the James A. Garfield National Historic Site with Kids

Have you ever wanted to walk into an ancient tomb and see how things looked exactly the way they were when the first eyes laid on the scene? Over this past weekend we sort of got to do just that at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio.

The Public Lands Day celebration, on this past Saturday, was one of the last events before the United States government meltdown. Ohio has a significant history with producing Presidents of the United States, and for a while I have wanted to spend time connecting with our past.

We arrived towards the end of the day due to a packed filled day with other activities from the Smithsonian National Museum Day Live event. Upon our arrival, we were informed that we would be on the 4:15 PM tour. Fortunately, it was the last tour of the day, and we were the only ones there.

We also happen to get really lucky with our tour guy, who quickly related to us and the plight of visiting a historic, National landmark with three sets of curious hands and fast legs that could get bored by the site of furniture and books. Our guide catered the tour to our families dynamic and made it perfect short, yet informative with all of the important highlights of the property.

James Garfield was a Congressman from Ohio, as well as a decorated Civil War veteran, that eventually settled in Mentor, Ohio. Mr. Garfield was considered probably one of the most knowledgeable President in history, since he was well versed in five languages, and any subject that interested him, he quickly attempted to become an expert.

The James A. Garfield National Historic Site contains roughly 86% of the original artifacts that were in the house during the President’s families residency at the estate. There are even two original rugs from the 1800’s that have survived and are in great condition. All other textiles in the house are reproductions.

The picture above was originally the kitchen of the house. However, Garfield’s wife eventually added onto the rear of the house, relocating the kitchen and making for a general gathering room.

Pictured above is President Garfield’s mother’s room. After the President’s assassination, his mother requested to be surrounded by images of her son. That is why every corner of the room has James’ pictures. The stained glass piece in grandma’s room was commissioned by Congress after the President’s assassination and represents all stages of his life.

President Garfield was one of only three Presidents to not get an official set of china. Washington and Adams were the other two. During the Presidents short 200 day term in office, they used their family china during dinner functions.

Some items to note from the pictures above are that the library was part of the addition on the house, and is considered the first Presidential library, where Mrs. Garfield held to preserve all of the books that the President had owned in his lifetime. The house contains over 6,000 books.

The paper that Mrs. Garfield used following the assassination of her husband was outlined in black, symbolizing always being in morning for the passing of her husband.

Located adjacent to the library, in the addition of the house, Mrs. Garfield had the foresight to construct a fireproof room to house some of the important items from Garfield’s life. The most treasured item is the wreath, which was preserved, and the only remaining wreath from the President’s funeral.

The room above was considered President Garfield’s Man-Cave, and after the President’s death, Mrs. Garfield kept the room exactly the way the President left it. Our guide informed us that family used the room as a way for everyone to pay their respects in remembrance of the President.

The James A. Garfield site in Mentor, Ohio used to be a sprawling 158-acre farm with it’s own windmill and water well, as well as a natural gas system to power the lights throughout the house. Today, only 8-acres remain, with the rest having been sold off throughout the years.

Our short visit to the James A. Garfield site was tremendously information and interesting. We were really surprised at the depth of history still available over 100 years after the death of the President.

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Source: InACents