A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, it is a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what's happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family.

The front porch of James Garfield's home was the scene of the first front porch campaign. The presidential candidate gave patriotic speeches and met with thousands of people who came to which him well during the summer and fall of 1880.

The Front Porch, Garfield Home

Thousands to visitors came to this front porch to hear presidential candidate James A. Garfield speak in 1880.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site

Mrs. Garfield constructed a beautiful addition to the Garfield home following the President's assassination in 1881. These 9 rooms contain the first Presidential Memorial Library,  including the a fireproof vault which once contained Garfield's papers.

Library addition, north side

A friendly greeting awaits visitors who enter the Visitor Center. This historic building, constructed in 1894, serves as bookstore, exhibit gallery and auditorium where the park film is shown. Tickets for tours of the Garfield home are also available her

Visitor Center, Main Entrance

Mrs. Garfield was known for her artistic talent, which softly blankets the interior of the Garfield home. In particular, the dining room boasts two tiles which were hand-painted by Mrs. Garfield, surround by others done by her children.

James A Garfield National Historic Site

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Nearby Parks

David Berger National Memorial