| If you have an interest in American history, an | | | | Charlottesville, and the famous Mt. Vernon is less |
| ideal history lovers vacation is a visit to one or | | | | than 30 minutes south of the White House. In the |
| more of the presidential historical sites located | | | | western part of the state, Woodrow Wilson's |
| across the country. From stately 18th century | | | | home has been restored as a museum and library |
| mansions to humble frame houses to gleaming | | | | in the charming community of Staunton. |
| museums, these sites spotlight and chronicle the | | | | As you travel across the country, many of these |
| lives of American presidents... | | | | sites are economic drivers for tourism. In central |
| America's Presidents | | | | Illinois, the capital city of Springfield is a world wide |
| Beginning with George Washington in 1789, | | | | destination for those interested in Abraham |
| Americans have long been interested in the lives | | | | Lincoln. The gleaming new Lincoln Presidential |
| of our presidents. All told, forty three men have | | | | Center welcomes visitors at an astounding rate |
| held the office, which is arguably the most | | | | and pumps millions of dollars into the local |
| prominent job in the world. | | | | economy. |
| Each of these men have shaped our destiny and | | | | Ohio is often known as the cradle of presidents |
| deserve their place in history, politics aside. For | | | | since so many were either born or lived in the |
| the most part, their legacies have been preserved | | | | state. Presidents Taft, Harding, Hayes, Grant, |
| at the many U.S. presidents sites across America. | | | | Garfield, and McKinley all have museums or family |
| Ranging from humble log cabins to sprawling | | | | homes open to the public. These locations are |
| library and museum complexes, all the presidents | | | | always the best source of viewing personal items |
| but one have an historical site dedicated to their | | | | owned by these men, including authentic furniture |
| life. Visitors can learn not only about the men who | | | | and campaign memorabilia. |
| have ascended to the nation's highest office, but | | | | Even if you are traveling with someone largely |
| a behind the scenes look at their personal and | | | | uninterested in presidential history, these sites |
| family lives as well. | | | | appeal on a different level. Those who enjoy |
| Presidential Trivia | | | | home tours will appreciate the restoration efforts |
| Do you know the only president who does not | | | | to bring these homes back to par. Further, most |
| have an official historic site in his honor? It is | | | | of the sites offer a glimpse into American life |
| Zachary Taylor, the 12th president. His former | | | | during the presidents tenure, thereby providing an |
| home in Kentucky, still standing, is privately owned | | | | educational snapshot of the past. |
| and occupied and therefore not open to the public. | | | | Summary |
| Famous Locations | | | | Visitors will find U.S. presidential sites scattered |
| Many of these presidential sites are well known to | | | | across the country. Most are open all year around |
| even those only casually interested in history. Of | | | | with nominal admission fees. They are well worth |
| course, there are the famous monuments in | | | | your time to seek out, especially for historians. |
| Washington, D.C. like the Washington Monument | | | | Far from dry and boring, these museum |
| and Lincoln Memorial. | | | | campuses are designed to engage the visitor with |
| Not far from those monuments, the state of | | | | exhibits and multi media presentations. Plan for an |
| Virginia is a virtual treasure trove of U.S. | | | | hour or two at each location to truly learn about |
| presidents sites. There are three in and around | | | | each president and their contributions to America. |