James A Garfield National Historic Site

The Front Porch, Garfield Home

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.

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.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site

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

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center occupies the original carriage house, built in 1894.

Library addition, north side

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.

Visitor Center, Main Entrance

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

Hand-painted Fireplace Tile, Garfield Dining Room

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.

A photo of Site 140 of Loop WOAK at HARDIN RIDGE with Picnic Table, Electricity Hookup, Fire Pit, Shade, Tent Pad, Lantern Pole, Water Hookup

A nice sitting area for your tent pad lantern pole fire ring and picnic table

A photo of Site 140 of Loop WOAK at HARDIN RIDGE with Picnic Table, Electricity Hookup, Fire Pit, Shade, Tent Pad, Lantern Pole, Water Hookup

A nice sitting area for your tent pad lantern pole fire ring and picnic table

RecAreaDirections

From Interstate 90 - exit at Route 306 and head north to Route 20. East on Route 20 about 1.5 miles. Site is on north side of Mentor Avenue.

From Route 2 - exit at Route 306 and head south to Route 20. East on Route 20 about 1.5 miles. Site is on the north side of Mentor Avenue.

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James A. Garfield National Historic Site Visitor Center Visitor Center

In 1893, Lucretia Garfield constructed a Carriage House and Horse Barn behind the Garfield Home. In 1998, the same building was opened as the Visitor Center at James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Inside visitors can find the site's 18-minute film as well exhibits in chronological order of the president's life. Check-in for tours of the Garfield home are at the Front Desk.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database