James A. Garfield National Historic Site facts for kids

James A. Garfield National Historic Site
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
U.S. National Historic Site
Garfield's home, restored to original color, 2007
Location in Ohio Show map of Ohio Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	8095 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio
Area	4.9 acres (2.0 ha)
Built	1876 (1876)
Visitation	15,334 (2005)
Website	James A. Garfield National Historic Site
NRHP reference No.	66000613 (original) 15000675 (increase)
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	October 15, 1966
Boundary increase	September 29, 2015
Designated NHL	January 28, 1964
Designated NHS	December 28, 1980

The James A. Garfield National Historic Site is a special place in Mentor, Ohio, that protects the home and land of James A. Garfield. He was the 20th President of the United States. His home, called Lawnfield, is also where the very first presidential library in the United States was created. This site helps us learn about President Garfield's life and times.

History of the Garfield Home

Why Garfield Bought Lawnfield

James A. Garfield bought this home in 1876. He needed a bigger house for his large family. He also wanted a place where his sons could learn about farming. It was also a good spot for him to spend his summers when Congress was not meeting.

The First Front Porch Campaign

In 1880, James Garfield ran for president. He used his home for what became the first successful "front porch campaign." This meant he stayed at his house and gave speeches from his porch. Reporters came to his home, which they started calling "Lawnfield." This way of campaigning was new and exciting for the time.

Changes to the House and Garfield's Death

That same year, Garfield added 11 rooms to the house. This made sure there was enough space for his family. Sadly, Garfield was shot just four months into his presidency. He passed away on September 19, 1881.

The First Presidential Library

Four years after Garfield's death, his wife, Lucretia Garfield, and her family added a special part to the house. This new section was called the Memorial Library wing. It was built to hold President Garfield's books and papers. This was the very first presidential library in the United States. It set an example for future presidents to have their own libraries.

Lawnfield After Garfield

Lucretia Garfield continued to live at Lawnfield for part of every year until she died in 1918. Her brother, Joseph Rudolph, also lived there until 1934. In 1936, Garfield's children gave the house and everything inside it to the Western Reserve Historical Society. They wanted it to be used as a museum.

Becoming a National Historic Site

On December 28, 1980, the United States Congress officially made the Garfield home a National Historic Site. This means it is a very important place that is protected and preserved for everyone to visit and learn from. The National Park Service now manages the site.

Bringing the Past to Life: Restoration

Restoring the Garfield House

In the 1990s, the Garfield house went through a big restoration project. This project cost $12.5 million and took six years to complete. It reopened in 1998. The goal was to make the house look exactly as it did when the Garfield family lived there between 1886 and 1904.

Authentic Details and Furniture

The house was redecorated with real furniture and items from that time. Experts did a lot of research to find these items. Over 80% of the hundreds of antique pieces belonged to the Garfield family themselves! Other items were found or made to match the original collection. Even ten different wallpaper designs were recreated from old photos and samples found under older layers of wallpaper.

The Garfield Historical Site is known for being one of the most accurately restored presidential homes from the 1800s. It truly helps visitors feel like they have stepped back in time.

Images for kids

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  James Garfield's home, before restoration, 1976

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  Garfield's home, side, 2007

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  Period Bedroom in the Garfield home

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  First Floor 1885

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  Second Floor 1885