MENTOR, Ohio — This Presidents’ Day, one northeast Ohio city is celebrating the life and legacy of one of the state’s most famous residents.
If some people were asked to name the 20th president of the United States, they may not know the answer off the top of their head.
But for folks in Mentor, it’s a no brainer.
“I drove past here a few times and I was like: ‘That’s amazing, that’s a historical site,’“ said Kristen Castree, whose family took a tour of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site on Mentor Avenue on Monday. “It seems like Presidents’ Day is the perfect day to check out the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.”
Garfield became president in 1881, and although his time in office was brief (he was assassinated just six months into his first term), the impact he had on politics here in Ohio was lasting.
Garfield was born and raised in northeast Ohio. Prior to become president, he served as an Ohio state senator and went on to serve nine terms as a U.S. congressman, representing Ohio.
A few years being elected president, Garfield moved to Mentor. While running for president, he campaigned from his home, delivering speeches from his front porch.
His Mentor property, which now includes a museum, has since been redecorated with authentic items from the late 19th century.
For information on free tours offered at the James A. Garfield Historical Site, click here.
