So You Want to Visit the Homes of the Former Famous (and Deceased) Presidents of Ohio?
Buckle up, history buff (or graveyard enthusiast, no judgment!), because we're about to take a whirlwind tour of some truly presidential dirt naps. That's right, Ohio boasts the final resting places of more than a couple of commanders-in-chief.
What Presidents Are Buried In Ohio |
The OG Statuesque Sleepers: William Henry Harrison and Rutherford B. Hayes
First on our itinerary is William Henry Harrison, our shortest-serving president (one month, folks, that's rough). You'll find his tomb in a grand neoclassical monument overlooking the scenic (and hopefully less pneumonia-inducing) hills of North Bend, Ohio. Not to be outdone, fellow Ohioan Rutherford B. Hayes, the president who Rutherford B. Hayesed the whole "who won the election" thing in 1876, chills out in Spiegel Grove, a sprawling estate-turned-museum in Fremont.
The Assassinated and the Architect: James A. Garfield and Benjamin Harrison
Next up is James A. Garfield, a man with a tragically short presidency cut even shorter by a deranged dude with a grudge (fun fact: Garfield was shot with a type of bullet nicknamed "The Miserable Perforator," because apparently the assassin wasn't aiming for a quick end). You can pay your respects at his grandiose monument in Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery. Rounding out our Ohio presidential slumber party is Benjamin Harrison, grandson of William Henry (aw, nepotism!), who rests eternally in Indianapolis - wait, what? Yep, turns out grandpa gets the home state digs, while Benjamin gets stuck in Indiana. There's a whole story there, but that's a rabbit hole for another time.
Important Note: While Ulysses S. Grant was born in Ohio, he shuffled off this mortal coil much further east and is buried in New York City. So don't get your Grant tomb tour confused!
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
So You've Seen the Tombs, Now What?
Well, besides whispering presidential trivia to unsuspecting pigeons, there's a ton to do in these historic Ohio spots. Explore the beautiful grounds of Spiegel Grove, learn about the fascinating (and sometimes messy) lives of these presidents, or simply soak up the atmosphere of these historic locations.
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling peckish after your presidential pilgrimage, be sure to try some of the local delicacies. Maybe avoid the unleavened bread (William Henry Harrison wasn't a fan), but definitely go for some Buckeye candy (Ohio's official state snack) - it's way better than it sounds!
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to Get to These Presidential Burial Sites?
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
Each location has its own address, easily found with a quick internet search!
How Much Does it Cost to Visit?
Entrance fees vary depending on the site, so check their websites for details.
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How Long Should I Spend at Each Location?
That depends on your presidential enthusiasm! Allow anywhere from an hour to a half-day to explore the grounds and exhibits.
Are There Any Ghost Tours?
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
We can't guarantee anything spooky, but some locations offer evening tours that might give you a different perspective (and maybe a chill or two).
Is There Pizza Nearby?
Almost definitely. This is America, after all.
So there you have it! Your guide to unearthing (well, not literally) the fascinating stories of Ohio's presidential past. Now get out there and explore - just try not to wake the dead!