The Mystery of McKinley

“[McKinley] had learned through a lifetime of politics that his quiet ways somehow translated into a commanding presence; his was a heavy quiet that could be exploited stealthily” (4).

The Book

President McKinley is often overshadowed by other presidents who had larger than life personalities or seemed to leave a bigger stamp on the country. However, in President McKinley: Architect of the American Century author Robert W. Merry argues that the 25^th president had more of an impact that we realize. Merry begins his biography by taking the reader to the end: the 1901 Pan-American Exposition where McKinley was assassinated. By beginning here, Merry is able to weave a brief character sketch with a hindsight view of McKinley.

The book then transitions to laying the foundations for McKinley’s life: development of Ohio, ancestors and family, strong faith, and the value of education. All of these had a role in who McKinley became, but so did his service in the army during the Civil War. During this time, he was recognized for managerial skills, earned many battlefield promotions, and developed a mentee relationship with future President Rutherford B. Hayes. After the Civil War, McKinley studied law and moved to Canton, OH to practice. It was here that he met Ida Saxton; their early marriage saw numerous tragedies, but they remained devoted to each other. McKinley was noted for how attentive he was to Ida, who suffered from numerous physical ailments. Despite her ailments, Ida supported her husband’s political ambitions, following him from Congress to Ohio’s governor to president.

There is so much to cover in McKinley’s four years in office (one full term and a partial second term): among the policy issues he inherited were the gold vs. silver standard, annexation of Hawaii, and Spain’s battle in Cuba. The struggle in Cuba led to the Spanish-American War. Merry argues that this war brought American onto the world stage like never before: territories were gained, older powers took notice, and a large standing army was established. In addition to the issues he inherited, McKinley also faced decisions on an isthmus canal, trade, monopolies and trusts, race, and American interests during the Boxer Rebellion in China. In the midst of all this, McKinley would prioritize Ida’s needs-endearing him to the country.

Merry packs a lot into a one volume biography. This is more than the biography of a president; it is an insightful look into a specific time and context. One aspect that I really enjoyed was all the background information that described Ohio (politics, demographics, and industry), the key players of the era, national politics, campaigns, and policies. This provided context for the era and McKinley’s words and decisions. President McKinley leaves the reader with the sense that McKinley deserves more than we give him credit. By relying on his own words and descriptions from family, friends, and other politicians, we uncover more about the man who had a significant impact on how America was viewed in the 20^th century.

The Place

The William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum welcomes visitors to explore the life of President McKinley, the history of Stark County, and science exhibits. Also, on the grounds is the McKinley Monument, the final resting place of President and Ida McKinley and their two daughters (who died as children). There is an admission fee for the museum and the memorial is only open April-November during museum hours.

The museum has a fascinating collection of artifacts pertaining to McKinley, including: his rocking chair (used during his front porch campaigning), his White House desk, and Ida’s piano. The McKinley Gallery is one large room in the museum and visitors will have time to explore the other areas as well. I would recommend that you spend time learning more about the McKinley Monument and don’t let the 108 steps deter you. The design and symbolism are impressive, but what is more impressive is the outpouring of support from Ohioans, local school children, and numerous states to build it. McKinley was clearly a beloved president.

Lincoln- Honest Abe and Father Abraham

“A. Lincoln continues to fascinate us because he eludes simple definitions and final judgments” (3).


The Book

Any author writing a new biography of Abraham Lincoln has an insurmountable task: a public who is already familiar with the life and times of the 16^th President. Ronald C. White, Jr. takes on the task aided by the Lincoln Legal Papers and hosts of new primary documents. A. Lincoln: A Biography is well worth the invested time (676 pages) and the narrative is easy to follow.

White opens each chapter with a quote from Lincoln and a brief passage that sets the stage for the chapter. This immediately places the reader in Lincoln’s shoes: picturing his environment, what he saw and did, interactions with other people, and the culture. Lincoln’s story begins with a brief introduction to his ancestors and parents, flows through his political and professional development, and ends by honing in on his presidency. Of course, the basic biographical information will be known to many readers. However, White writes in an engaging way and brings in quite a bit of information I did not know. He dives into Lincoln’s thought processes, showing how a man (without a formal education) was a dedicated researcher, careful thinker and planner, and investigator who weighed all sides of an issue. What was particularly fascinating for me was to follow White as he traced Lincoln’s thought processes and growth in beliefs as president. For example, Lincoln took his first public stand against slavery in 1837; yet, he knew that the timing had to be right to interject slavery into the rationale for the Civil War.

A. Lincoln also provides insight into how Lincoln prepared his speeches and an analysis of the speeches. Lincoln appreciated good oratory and was able to communicate well in a variety of ways, but was also nervous prior to delivering a speech. White argues that, “[Lincoln’s] most developed political weapon [was] public speaking” (299). Based on what I read, I would go one step further and say it was all communication. Lincoln could connect through a speech, personal conversation, private letter, or public letter.

The more I read A. Lincoln, the more I come to admire, respect, and like President Lincoln. He was a man committed to the principles of Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bible. The final chapter unpacks Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address in detail, showing a president who understand the consequences of the past four years and the role God plays in the lives of man.

The Place
If the regular readers haven’t already noticed, I read and write quite a bit about President Lincoln. In fact, I have been fascinated with him since I was four years old. What better way to culminate years of fascination than a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum?

Visitors walk into a rotunda and are prompted to travel through two sections: Lincoln’s early life through the 1861 election and his presidency. Lifesize and realistic statutes bring the people and scenes to life, with artifacts, technology, and explanations interspersed. This Museum is engaging and well-thought out, helping visitors get to know Lincoln, appreciate why history is so vital, and walk away with a new appreciation for the 16^th President.

I read A. Lincoln after visiting the Museum, but still saw a strong connection between how both treated the saga of the Emancipation Proclamation. Author White shows the development of this document through other events, in order to show the reader the process and seriousness of the issue. The Museum captures Lincoln’s decision through dramatic images and technology. I will never forget seeing the climax of this part of the museum: there is a single hallway lined with pre-recorded actors passionately stating their views on the Emancipation Proclamation. The narrow hallway draws your attention to the lone figure of Lincoln, standing over his desk with the paper is his hand. Behind him, a screen airs silhouette images of slavery and the audio provide more views of the issue. This exhibit and White’s book help to truly capture the significance of Lincoln’s decision to free the slaves.

The Museum is located in downtown Springfield, IL. There is an admission cost and ample parking available on the street or in a public garage (both have a fee). Before you leave, make sure to talk a family photo with the Lincoln family in the rotunda and check out Union Station Park across the street, with several Lincoln statues. If you are in Springfield for more than a day, there are plenty of other Lincoln sites to explore (see previous blog posts for descriptions).

Shaping of a President

“Coming to the village like ‘a piece of floating driftwood,’ as [Lincoln] said, he had worked his way up to a position of leadership not only in New Salem but in the state as well” (134).

The Book

The purpose of Lincoln’s New Salem is to introduce the reader to a time that shaped Abraham Lincoln’s life. Author, Benjamin P. Thomas argues that the six years (1831-1837) Lincoln spent in New Salem influenced many of his skills and abilities: leadership, reputation, politics, law, public speaking, and debate to name a few.

Thomas splits the book into three sections, the history of New Salem, Lincoln’s time in New Salem, and the restoration of New Salem. Part One explores the frontier era and what life was like for the average pioneer. Thomas also touches on the people, businesses, and growth of New Salem. Part Two comprises the bulk of the book. Here the reader learns of Lincoln’s arrival in town and the various jobs he held. Lincoln quickly earned the reputation of courageous, strong, honest, and truthful. It is in New Salem where Lincoln first runs for political office and begins to educate himself, ultimately settling on reading the law. In 1837, Lincoln was admitted to the Illinois State Bar and moved to Springfield (the new state capitol). Part Three provides the reader with a look at the growth of the Lincoln legend, after his assassination, which led to an interest in Lincoln pre-presidency. That interest led to restoration efforts in New Salem, as well as in Kentucky and Indiana.

Lincoln’s New Salem was originally published in 1954, 32 years after restoration began of the New Salem village. Thomas is considered a Lincoln scholar and lends credibility to this in-depth look at six years of Lincoln’s life. Lincoln’s New Salem is well-written, although it is a straight history book full of details regarding Lincoln and the frontier of central Illinois. Sometimes, the reader can get lost in the lists of facts or descriptions, but the detail does help the reader visualize Lincoln’s world.

The Place

Lincoln’s New Salem provides visitors the chance to walk the streets of the village Lincoln called home for six years. Numerous buildings, including log homes, were restored and filled with period furniture. The New Salem Mill, a significant part of the village, was also restored.

New Salem has Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter specific hours, so make sure to check the website prior to visiting. Throughout the year, there are various events and the campground is open from April to October. My family visited for a day, tied to a weekend spent exploring Lincoln sites in the Springfield, IL area. One of the unique aspects of Lincoln’s New Salem is the opportunity to learn about the Lincoln before his time as a lawyer or as the president.

The First President

“Fearing anarchy, disunion, and an end to American freedom if he failed to act decisively, [Washington] transformed himself-and the presidency-from a relatively impotent figurehead into America’s most powerful leader…” (3).

The Book

It is common knowledge that George Washington served as the first president of the United States and set many precedents that his successors followed. However, many do not know the reasoning behind the precedents or the extent to which Washington’s fingerprints are on the presidency. In “Mr. President”: George Washington and the Making of the Nation’s Highest Office, author Harlow Giles Unger outlines “the seven pillars of power [which Washington raised] that sustain the mighty American presidency edifice today-the power to control executive appointments, foreign policy, military affairs, government finances, and federal law enforcement, along with the power to legislate by presidential proclamation and to issue secret fiats under the cloak of executive privilege” (3).  

Unger begins his biography at the end of the Revolutionary War and follows Washington through the government of the Articles of Confederation, his leadership of the Constitutional Convention, his eight years as president, and his retirement. During this time period, the reader comes to release the precarious position the United States of America was in: civil unrest over the size of the federal government and taxes, state’s rights, and foreign influence. The reasoning behind Washington’s pillars of power is presented in detail.

There is a lot we can learn from Unger’s well-written biography of Washington. The reader will come away with a better appreciation for the role Washington played in the early stages of our country. Washington struggled with decisions, cabinet infighting, and negative press. He recognized his major failure as president: the inability to unite Americans into one country. The early stages of the United States were not easy or perfect, but Unger credits Washington with laying the groundwork for a stable presidential structure-one that still continues to this day.

The Place
The Washington Monument  was built to honor the man who was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countryman” (Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee). However, the building of the monument was not simple. A monument was proposed prior to George Washington becoming president, but wasn’t completed until 1884. If you look closely, you can see two different colors because construction was halted for a time.

Inside the Monument, visitors will find a statue of Washington and an elevator ride to the top. The Monument towers over the National Mall and each of the four sides provide breathtaking views of Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

Currently, the Monument is closed (until Spring 2019) due to work being done on the elevator. Despite the fact that visitors cannot go up in the Monument, it is still a breathtaking site to walk along the National Mall and take it in. If you are planning a visit to Washington, DC in the future, check back with the National Park Service for additional information regarding the reopening. 

The General's Home After the Presidency

“Fifty evergreens lined the avenue from Waterworks Road to the farm residence, a gift of the Republican state committees” (21).

The Book

Going Home to Glory: A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961-1969 is part personal stories and part history. Authors David Eisenhower and Julie Nixon Eisenhower bring so much to the book because of their personal connection with Dwight D. Eisenhower. David is Eisenhower’s grandson and his wife, Julie, is the daughter of Richard M. Nixon. The book follows the last eight years of Eisenhower’s life which were also his years after the White House.

Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, moved to their farm in Gettysburg, PA in 1961. It is a short drive from the White House to Gettysburg, and the small town was eager to become home to the president. The Eisenhower’s became involved in the community and their grandchildren were often visitors. David tells of his summers spent working on the farm and getting to know his grandfather in a context other than president. Eisenhower did not stay secluded at Gettysburg. He and Mamie traveled to homes in the south and west to visit friends and golf. Despite his retirement, Presidents Kennedy and Johnson sought Eisenhower’s advice on numerous issues.

Because Going Home to Glory is authored by Eisenhower’s family, the reader feels a personal connection to one of the First Families. Details are given on the presidential transfer of power, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and presidential elections. The details are given through the lens of Eisenhower’s views, diary entries, and discussions with family. It is a unique way to learn more about American history.

The Place

The Eisenhower’s bought their farm in 1950 and it was the first home they owned as a married couple. They had moved thirty-three times during Eisenhower’s career with the Army. The farm included orchards, a putting green, a brick hut and patio, a skeet and trap shoot range, and a herd of cattle. In 1965, Eisenhower sold his cattle herd and he and Mamie deeded their land to the National Park Service, effective upon their deaths.

Today, visitors to the Gettysburg can tour the Eisenhower National Historic Site adjacent to the Gettysburg National Battlefield. You are able to tour both the house and farms to see what it was like when Eisenhower and Mamie lived there. The Historic Site also teaches visitors about Eisenhower’s service during World War II and as the president. It is a great experience to walk where an American leader during World War II and the Cold War walked. If you are traveling with children, there are two ways they can get a hands-on experience: the Junior Secret Service Agent Program and a virtual tour of the home.