Saxton McKinley House 331 Market Avenue South, Canton, OH 44702

The Saxton McKinley House, located at 331 Market Avenue South in Canton, Ohio, is a historic Victorian building that serves as part of the First Ladies National Historic Site and the National First Ladies Library. This institution is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the First Ladies of the United States, making it the only library of its kind.

The Saxton McKinley House is the last remaining home with direct ties to Ida and William McKinley in their hometown of Canton. It was the primary residence for the McKinleys from 1878 to 1891 while William served in the United States House of Representatives. The house has a rich history, with different sections built by Ida's grandfather and father to accommodate their growing family.

After a period of difficult times for Ida, including the loss of her daughters and mother, the McKinleys moved back to the Saxton McKinley House, where they lived for 13 years. The house also served as a stage for William's presidential campaign.

In 1998, the Saxton McKinley House became the home of the National First Ladies Library, which carefully restored the home to its Victorian era grandeur. Visitors can now tour the house and see authentic Victorian furniture, some of which belonged to the McKinleys. The guided tour takes guests through all three floors of the house, showcasing the formal parlors, Ida's bedroom, and the third-floor ballroom.

Visiting the Saxton McKinley House is like stepping back in time and experiencing the opulence of the Victorian era. The restoration of the home is a testament to its humble beginnings and rough past, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of Ida and William McKinley.