William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home
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Front of the house
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 408 S. Broadway, Salem, Illinois |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1852 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000668 |
| Added to NRHP | February 18, 1975 |
The William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home is a special old house located in Salem, Illinois. It's famous because William Jennings Bryan grew up here. He was a very important person in American history.
Bryan was a politician who ran for president three times for the Democratic Party. This house was built in 1852 by his father, Silas Bryan, who was a state senator. William Jennings Bryan himself was born in this house in 1860.
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Who Was William Jennings Bryan?
William Jennings Bryan was born in 1860. He became a very well-known speaker and politician. People often called him "The Great Commoner" because he spoke up for everyday people.
Bryan's Political Journey
Bryan was a member of the Democratic Party. He ran for president of the United States three times. Even though he didn't win, he was a very influential person in American politics during his time. He believed in ideas that helped farmers and workers.
The Historic Bryan Home
The house where William Jennings Bryan grew up is located at 408 S. Broadway in Salem, Illinois. It is a two-story house made of wood. His father, Silas Bryan, had it built in 1852.
Inside the Boyhood Home
Today, the city of Salem takes care of the house. It is now a museum that you can visit! William Jennings Bryan himself gave the house to the city many years ago. He wanted it to become a museum so people could learn about his life and the history of his time.
When you visit, you can see how the house was set up. It has two main rooms at the front. There is also a kitchen and a dining room in the back. Upstairs, you will find three bedrooms. The museum shares information and items that belonged to Bryan. It also tells stories about his political career and the time period he lived in.
A Recognized Landmark
Because of its importance, the William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it is recognized as a special historical site in the United States.
