During my travels, which began on July 10, 2013, I’ve had the honor and privilege of visiting hundreds of Presidential sites associated with every one of our Commander-In-Chiefs from George Washington to Joe Biden. While some of those sites consisted of places where a particular President gave a speech, fought in a battle, campaigned, went to school, worked, played, was shot, or where he died and was buried. But to me, nothing is more personal than visiting a home where a President had lived with his family. It’s been said in the past “A home is where the heart is” and that has never been truer than with the Presidents of our United States. Some of the homes I’ve visited over the past nine years were where future Presidents were born; some were where they grew up; and some were where they lived as an adult – before and after their time in the White House. And some were homes where they spent their last moments on Earth.
After giving it a lot of thought, I have ranked the Presidential homes I’ve visited from one to forty-five; not including the White House – which will kick-off this segment. My photographer has captured thousands of images from my dozens of trips, but to save time, I’ve narrowed my selection down to two photos for each Presidential home. In the photo’s caption, I will try to describe why I ranked the home where I did, whether or not a significant event happened in the home, as well as the date of my visit. I hope you enjoy looking at the images as much as I did when I walked in the footsteps of the Presidents of the United States and into their homes.
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON D.C.
Every President since John Adams has resided in the President’s House, Executive Mansion, or White House. Visit – July 19, 2014
In 2014, my photographer held me through the bars of the White House perimeter fence for our exterior images. That changed a few years later when extra security was put in place, and it was more difficult to get close to that fence. Photo – July 19, 2014
As I stood silently beneath the North Portico of the White House, it was as though I could see JFK’s flag-draped casket as it was carried to the horse-drawn caisson on November 24, 1963. Photo – May 15, 2019
President John F. Kennedy left the White House for the final time – just two days after his assassination in Dallas, Texas.
Besides the Oval Office, my favorite room inside the White House was the Blue Room. The official portrait of Thomas Jefferson was displayed front and center, which I thought was very cool. Photo – May 15, 2019
I loved my visit in the State Dining Room. Not only did I see Lincoln’s White House portrait above the fireplace, but Thomas Jefferson used a section of this room as his private office. Photo – May 15, 2019
Photography was prohibited in the West Wing of the White House, with the exception of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, where I posed for this image. Photo – May 17, 2019
On April 16, 2020, which was nearly nine months after my visit, President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence addressed the coronavirus pandemic with the media.
1 – THOMAS JEFFERSON MONTICELLO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
I’m standing on the West Portico of Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello. Our third President lived on “The Little Mountain” from 1770 until his death in 1826. I’ve been fortunate to have visited Monticello twice. Whether on the grounds or inside the home, I felt Jefferson’s presence everywhere. Photo – May 17, 2021
While every room in Monticello offered a unique look at the life of Thomas Jefferson, his bed chamber was my favorite room. It was in this alcove bed behind me where my favorite President died on July 4, 1826. His last words were: “No, doctor, nothing more.” Photo – May 17, 2021
2 – ABRAHAM LINCOLN LINCOLN HOME SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln purchased this home in Springfield, Illinois in 1844 and lived there for 17 years before moving to the White House in 1861. This was the only home Abraham Lincoln owned. Since 2013, I’ve seen the home of Abraham Lincoln on two different occasions. Photo – July 11, 2014
In each room of Lincoln’s home we visited, it was easy to feel the presence of Abe and his family there. One of my favorite rooms was the family room. It was where Abraham loved to read, or at times wrestle with his four sons on the floor. Mary Todd Lincoln also used the room to sew. Lincoln purchased the stereoscope on the table, behind the chess set, for his boys. The stereoscope was similar to a modern-day View Master. Photo – July 28, 2019
3 – GEORGE WASHINGTON MOUNT VERNON MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA
George Washington owned the Mount Vernon Plantation from 1761 until his death in 1799. I’m standing in the front yard, or River Side Entrance, of Mount Vernon. It was at this home when he learned of his election as President of the United States. I’ve visited and toured the home of George Washington twice. Photo – May 15, 2019
I’ve been inside Mount Vernon twice, and both time photography was prohibited. In 2014, my photographer didn’t take any pictures, but vowed to snap at least one during our next visit – even if we got kicked out. In 2019, Tom lived up to his promise. He got in front of George and Martha’s bedroom, Mongo acted as a decoy, and I posed near George Washington’s deathbed. On December 14, 1799, General Washington died in that bed shortly after he muttered his final words; ‘Tis well’. Photo – May 15, 2019
4 – JOHN ADAMS PEACEFIELD QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS
John and Abigail Adams bought Peacefield in 1788 and they lived there the rest of their lives; Abigail died 1818 and John in 1826. The presence of the Adams family was very evident when I toured the grounds and home. Their house was a museum, when I came to see ’em. They really were a scream, The Adams Family…snap, snap. Thus far, I’ve only visited Peacefield one time. Photo – July 14, 2017
Although photography was prohibited inside Peacefield in 2017, my photographer was granted permission by the NPS to take photos in two rooms. In this Master Bedroom, in that bed, John Adams died on July 4, 1826. His last words were: “Jefferson still survives.” Adams didn’t know that his friend had died several hours earlier on the same day – the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s passage. Photo – July 14, 2017
5 – FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT SPRINGWOOD HYDE PARK, NEW YORK
Franklin Roosevelt was born in Springwood on January 30, 1882 and it was his home for the rest of his life. During his Presidency, from 1933 until his death in 1945, FDR made almost 200 visits to Springwood. Roosevelt made his last visit to Springwood during the last week of March 1945. Two weeks later, he died in Warm Springs, Georgia. Photo – July 9, 2017
Photography was allowed inside Springwood and my photographer had a field day. My favorite room in the house was FDR’s bedroom, which he used after being stricken with polio. While Eleanor had a separate bedroom, FDR’s dog Fala had his bed at the foot of the President’s. My only visit to Springwood came in 2017. Photo – July 9, 2017
6 – THEODORE ROOSEVELT SAGAMORE HILL OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK
Theodore Roosevelt lived at his beloved Sagamore Hill from 1885 until his death inside the home in 1919. During my time near this area of the porch, it was as though I could see President Roosevelt seated on a chair in front of me. So far in my travels, I’ve made it to Sagamore Hill only once. Photo – July 21, 2017
I thought the most interesting room in the house was ‘The North Room’ that Roosevelt had filled with a lot of dead animals. Teddy’s ‘Rough Riders’ hat hung from the antlers of an elk. It was also in this room that a final farewell service was held following Roosevelt’s death on January 6, 1919. Photo – July 21, 2017
7 – JAMES MADISON MONTPELIER MONTPELIER STATION, VIRGINIA
It might be difficult to see me, but I’m standing on the front porch of Montpelier – the home of James Madison for 76 years of his life. Montpelier was in the Madison family since 1723, but his mother was away from the home when James was born March 16, 1751. At the age of 85, our 4th President died in the home on June 28, 1836. In 2019, I made my one and only visit, so far, to Madison’s Montpelier. Photo – May 11, 2019
The highlight of my Montpelier visit was when I stood on the original table in Madison’s dining room. James and Dolley had their meals on that table, but so did guests Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson and others. Photo – May 11, 2019
8 – JAMES GARFIELD LAWNFIELD MENTOR, OHIO
Can you see me standing on the massive front porch of Lawnfield, the impressive farmhouse purchased by James Garfield in 1876 to accommodate his growing family? Unfortunately, our 20th President was assassinated only five years after he moved his family into the home. I’ve had the honor of visiting Lawnfield twice – once in 2013 and again in 2019. Photo – May 19, 2019
James Garfield is one of my favorite Presidents and it was a true honor to pose for this image in his office, which featured his favorite chair that James sat sideways in. President Garfield loved his office, as it was his safe haven when he wanted to be alone with his thoughts and away from the kids. Photo – May 19, 2019
9 – RUTHERFORD B. HAYES SPIEGEL GROVE FREMONT, OHIO
Spiegel Grove was inherited by Rutherford B. Hayes in 1873 and he lived there until his death twenty years later. It might be hard to see me, but I’m standing on the gorgeous porch and on the same spot where the President and Lucy Hayes were once photographed. I’ve been to Speigel Grove three times, but only toured the home once when my photographer had permission to take interior pictures in 2019. Photo – March 16, 2019
Gil Gonzelez, the staff photographer at Spiegel Grove, captured this rare image of my photographer in action. Tom had chosen the Hayes’ bedroom for our photo-shoot as I’m standing on the bed where Lucy Hayes died on June 25, 1889 and our 19th President died on January 17, 1893. Rutherford’s last words were: “I know I’m going where Lucy is.” Photo by Gil Gonzelez – March 16, 2019
Through the lens of my photographer, captured as he was being photographed, I posed on the bed of Rutherford and Lucy Hayes. Near the bed was Lucy’s favorite chair; she was seated in that chair when she suffered a stroke; only to die a few days later in this bed. Photo – March 16, 2019
10 – MARTIN VAN BUREN LINDENWALD KINDERHOOK, NEW YORK
Martin Van Buren purchased this 36-room mansion during his Presidency in 1839. It became his home and farm when he left office in 1841 and he lived in Lindenwald until his death 21 years later. I had toured the home during my first visit to Kinderhook in 2017, but the 2020 COVID pandemic forced the home to be closed on my second trip. Photo – July 12, 2020
During my 2017 trip to Kinderhook, I toured Lindwald from top to bottom. While I had a chance to sit on Van Buren’s toilet for one picture, I liked seeing the bed where the 8th President died more. Martin Van Buren died of heart failure in this bed on July 24, 1862 at the age of 79. Photo – July 8, 2017
11 – JAMES BUCHANAN WHEATLAND LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA
Secretary of State James Buchanan purchased Wheatland in December 1848 and owned it until his death on June 1, 1868. The only time he wasn’t at this mansion was during his term as Ambassador to Britain and when he lived in the White House as President. That 2017 visit was the first and only time I’ve been to Wheatland. Photo – July 22, 2017
My photographer and I toured the entire house where I was able to stand on a handful of furnishings, only because the tour guide left us alone. The highlight of the visit came when I stood on President Buchanan’s desk he used in the White House. Photo – July 22, 2017
12 – JOHN TYLER SHERWOOD FOREST CHARLES CITY, VIRGINIA
At 301 feet in length, Sherwood Forest is the longest frame house in the United States. John Tyler purchased the plantation house in 1842 and owned it until his death on January 18, 1862. It might be difficult to see me, but I’m standing alongside one of the 500-pound cast iron dogs that guard the left side of the porch. Sherwood Forest is still owned by descendants of President John Tyler. I’ve had the privilege to visit Sherwood Forest twice – the first time I only toured the grounds, while I went inside the home during my second visit. Photo – May 13, 2019
Photography inside Sherwood Forest was outlawed; however, my camera guy had been given special permission to take pictures of me in one room. Tom chose the family room where I stood on a table that once belonged to John Tyler. Photo – May 18, 2021
13 – BENJAMIN HARRISON HARRISON HOUSE INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Benjamin Harrison built this house in 1875 and lived there until his death in the second-floor Master Bedroom. During his campaign for President, Harrison conducted ‘Front Porch Speeches’ to listeners gathered on the street outside his home. However, the massive front porch wasn’t built until 1896, three years after he left the Presidency. I’ve only been to Indianapolis and the Harrison house once. Photo – July 6, 2014
When I was given the opportunity to stand on the bed where Benjamin Harrison died on March 13, 1901, I was ecstatic. I also thought I heard someone say, “Are the doctors here?” Those were Harrison’s final words. That was the first Presidential deathbed I had stood on. Photo – July 6, 2014
14 – ANDREW JOHNSON JOHNSON HOMESTEAD GREENEVILLE, TENNESSEE
Although Andrew Johnson purchased this two-story home in Greeneville, Tennessee in 1851, he and wife Eliza didn’t live there much until after they left the White House in 1869. This was the last home Johnson owned. I’ve been to the Johnson Homestead three times. During my first visit in 2017, the NPS had the house closed to tours due to heat. I toured the home in 2019 and 2021. Photo – May 15, 2021
I was shocked when my photographer convinced a NPS Ranger to place me on Andrew Johnson’s bed alongside his personal top hat. It seemed unbelievable to stand on a 150-year-old comforter. Photo – May 15, 2021
15 – JOHN F. KENNEDY JFK BIRTHPLACE BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS
John F. Kennedy is one of America’s most beloved Presidents and it was an honor for me to visit the home where JFK was born. This house was built in 1909; Joseph Kennedy, Sr. bought it in 1914. Three years later, the future President was born there. The Kennedy’s moved to a larger house when JFK was three. Photo – July 14, 2017
Although I liked several of the rooms inside the Kennedy house, this first-floor bedroom was very special. At 3:00pm on Tuesday May 29, 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy entered the world in the bed furthest from me. I’ve been to JFK’s birthplace only once. Photo – July 14, 2017
16 – ULYSSES S. GRANT GRANT’S COTTAGE WILTON, NEW YORK
Located on the slope of Mount McGregor near Wilton, New York, this cottage was owned by President Grant’s friend, NYC banker Joseph William Drexel. Grant came to the cottage roughly six weeks before he died to finish the manuscript of his personal memoirs. I’ve been to the cottage twice – the first time, in 2017, I arrived on a Monday and it was closed. That day, I said to myself: “I’d give my right arm to tour that cottage.” In 2020, my photographer, his wife, and I had a VIP tour. Moments before our tour began, however, my right arm broke off. Talk about karma! Photo – July 13, 2020
Only a few days before his death, Ulysses S. Grant was photographed seated on a chair at this location of the porch. Even though I wasn’t standing on the original chair (that chair was on display inside the cottage), it was still an awesome experience. Photo – July 13, 2020
The final days of President Ulysses S. Grant.
During our VIP Tour with Manager Ben Kemp, I was photographed in all four rooms on the first floor. The room where I’m standing was special. Grant’s family had moved the dying President into this living room where he would be more comfortable. Ulysses S. Grant died in the bed on the far wall at 8:08am on July 23, 1885 at the age of 63. His final words were: “I don’t want anybody to feel distressed on my account.” Then he muttered the word “water” and lost consciousness. Photo – July 13, 2020
17 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON BERKELEY PLANTATION CHARLES CITY, VIRGINIA
Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia is one of the most historic homes in the nation. In the second-floor corner bedroom of Berkeley, William Henry Harrison was born on February 9, 1773. However, since my photographer was unable to take any photos of the interior, nor were we allowed to see Harrison’s birth room, this Presidential home dropped in my rankings. That was my first and only visit to Berkeley Planation. Photo – May 13, 2019
I’m standing on the window ledge just outside of Berkeley’s dining room. All of our first ten Presidents had each dined in that room. Not only was this home the birthplace of a President, but it was also built and owned by a Signer of the Declaration of Independence – Benjamin Harrison V. Photo – May 13, 2019
18 – WARREN G. HARDING HARDING HOME MARION, OHIO
The beautiful home of Warren and Florence Harding was designed and built by the couple in 1891. The Harding’s were married in the home’s parlor and lived in the house for 30 years before Warren was elected President. I’ve seen the home three times; it was closed when I arrived in 2013, COVID delayed its opening after renovations in 2020, but I finally went inside two weeks after its Grand Opening in 2021. Photo – May 27, 2021
While the Harding Home was immaculate and almost everything inside was original to the Harding’s, I ranked it 18th because my photographer’s request to capture an image of me in the parlor where Warren and Florence were married was denied. When I toured the home, I felt the President and First Lady’s presence inside. Photo – May 27, 2021
19 – WOODROW WILSON WILSON HOUSE WASHINGTON, D.C.
During my first visit to Washington D.C. in 2014, I paid my only visit to the home of Woodrow Wilson. The 28th President retired to this home after he left the White House in 1921 and lived there the rest of his life. Although the house had closed 15 minutes before my arrival, my photographer talked his way inside for a short tour of Wilson’s bedroom. Photo – July 18, 2014
President Woodrow Wilson, crippled by a stroke, stood on his porch on his 65th birthday – December 28, 1921.
Not only did my photographer talk his way into the home after it had closed, but he also persuaded the young guide to let me stand on Woodrow Wilson’s deathbed. The 28th President died in this bed at 11:15am on February 3, 1924 at the age of 67. Wilson’s last words, muttered as he laid on this bed, were: “I am a broken piece of machinery. When the machine is broken…I am ready.” Photo – July 18, 2014
Calvin Coolidge’s father, John Sr., purchased this house in 1876 and the future 30th President lived there until 1887. He came back many times during his adult life. As a matter of fact, Vice President Coolidge was in this house when President Warren G. Harding died in San Francisco on August 2, 1923. I had the pleasure of visiting Plymouth, Vermont and the Coolidge Historic Site once. Photo – July 11, 2017
I’m in the family parlor in the Coolidge home. At 2:47am on August 3, 1923, Calvin Coolidge stood in this room, put his left hand on the Bible that’s on the table, and was sworn into office as our 30th President by his father, who was a local notary. Photo – July 11, 2017
21 – JAMES K. POLK POLK ANCESTRAL HOME COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE
I’m standing in front of the only surviving home of President James K. Polk besides the White House. His father, Samuel Polk, built this home in 1816; James lived there until his marriage to Sarah in 1824. I’ve only been to this home once, and I only toured the interior when my photographer discovered it featured artifacts used by Polk in the White House. Photo – July 7, 2014
Not only were there original furnishings used in the White House, but the tour guide also generously allowed me to stand on some of them, including this table. The Polk ancestral home in Columbia turned out to be a hidden gem. Photo – July 7, 2014
22 – GEORGE W. BUSH CHILDHOOD HOME MIDLAND, TEXAS
I love standing in the footsteps of Presidents, which I did during my only trip to this childhood home of George W. Bush in Midland, Texas. George H.W. Bush purchased this home on November 7, 1951 and the family, including Barbara, George W. and Robin, moved in shortly after. The Bush family lived in this home for about four years. Photo – October 15, 2021
President George W. Bush, along with his lovely wife, First Lady Laura Bush, were photographed as they walked from the childhood home after their visit in 2008.
Not only was this a Presidential home, but it was the home to TWO Presidents. During the dedication ceremony at the home on April 11, 2006, President George H.W. Bush stood in front of the chimney with Barbara and cut the ceremonial ribbon. Photo – October 15, 2021
On April 11, 2006, President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara cut the ceremonial ribbon at the dedication ceremony of the childhood home.
I posed for dozens of images inside the amazing home, but my favorite room was the bedroom of George W. Bush. As a matter of fact, I saw a photo of him posing next to the very desk I’m standing on. Photo – October 15, 2021
23 – HARRY S TRUMAN TRUMAN HOME INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI
Built in 1867 by Bess Truman’s grandfather George Porterfield Gates, it became the only home President Harry Truman ever owned when he purchased it in 1953 after his mother-in-law died. Truman used the home as his “Summer White House” from 1945 to 1953. His daughter, Mary Margaret, was born there on February 17, 1924. My only visit to the Truman House came in 2016. Photo – July 23, 2016
Although I toured the home, which was an amazing experience, I was extremely disappointed when my photographer was denied permission to take pictures of me inside. Instead, I posed for this incredible image where President Truman walked with Margaret on her wedding day April 21, 1956. Photo – July 23, 2016
Harry Truman and daughter Mary Margaret Truman on her wedding day.
24 – DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER EISENHOWER FARM GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower purchased this run-down farm in 1950. Ike loved the farm because it was near the historic Gettysburg Battlefield. When the Eisenhower’s left the White House in 1961, they retired to their Gettysburg farm. My only visit came in 2021. Photo – May 25, 2021
The interior of the farmhouse was closed to the public to due COVID restrictions, but I had a 90-minute tour of the grounds. In other words, I got to walk in the footsteps of President Eisenhower, who was an avid golfer and had this putting green installed near his house. Photo – May 25, 2021
25 – RICHARD M. NIXON NIXON BIRTHPLACE YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA
Frank Nixon purchased a mail-order construction kit and built this house in Yorba Linda, California in 1912. Less than a year later, his son Richard was born in a front bedroom of the home. I had the privilege to visit the birthplace of President Richard Nixon once. Photo – August 6, 2018
On January 9, 1913, Hannah Nixon gave birth to baby Richard in this bed. I had the honor to tour this home with Gary Beard, who portrays George Washington at Nixon’s Presidential Library from time to time. Photo – August 6, 2018
26 – RONALD REAGAN REAGAN BOYHOOD HOME DIXON, ILLINOIS
I love to stand in the footsteps of the Presidents, which once again happened in Dixon during my only trip to Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home. Built in 1891, the Reagan’s moved into the home in late 1920 and lived there for less than three years. President Reagan visited his childhood home on his 73rd birthday in 1984. Photo – July 19, 2015
President Reagan, along with First Lady Nancy Reagan and Ronald’s brother Neil, visited the home in 1984.
Ron and Neil shared this second-floor bedroom, even though there were three bedrooms in the home. It turned out Nelle Reagan used the home’s third bedroom as her work room. Photo – July 19, 2015
President and Mrs. Reagan, along with Neil Reagan, paid a visit to “Dutch” and “Moon’s” childhood bedroom.
27 – JIMMY CARTER CARTER BOYHOOD FARM PLAINS, GEORGIA
I’m standing on the edge of the screened porch at the childhood farmhouse of Jimmy Carter, located roughly 2.5 miles outside of Plains, Georgia in the tiny dot on the map known as Archery. This was Jimmy’s home from 1928, when he was four years old, until he left for college in 1941. I’ve only been to this home one time. Photo – July 13, 2019
The room I’m standing in was Jimmy Carter’s bedroom. The blue jeans that were standing against the wall represented the ones Carter wore when he performed his most-hated chore on the farm – “mopping cotton”. It was in this room where young Jimmy kept his most prized collectibles; including post cards, letters, and souvenirs sent to him by his Uncle Tom Gordy who was in the Navy. Photo – July 13, 2019
28 – JAMES MONROE MONROE HILL CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
In 1789, James Monroe purchased 800-acres of land and built this two-story brick home where he practiced law in Charlottesville. Monroe lived here for several years before he moved to The Highland to be closer to his friend Thomas Jefferson. Today, Monroe Hill is on the campus of the University of Virginia. I’ve visited Monroe Hill only once, and you can see me standing to the right of the home’s front door. Photo – May 16, 2021
My photographer failed to notice the ‘Private Residence’ sign on the door, which meant he carried me inside for a short, personal tour of Monroe Hill. As I stood on the original staircase inside the home, I thought about James Monroe walking up those very steps. At the same time, I also heard the barks of what seemed to be very large dogs. My visit ended seconds later. Photo – May 16, 2021
29 – BILL CLINTON CLINTON’S FIRST HOME FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS
Bill Clinton bought this house in Fayetteville, Arkansas for $17,200 on August 11, 1975 because he though it would impress fellow law teacher Hillary Rodham enough for her to marry him. The scheme worked as the couple were married in the home’s living room on October 11, 1975. I’ve been to this Clinton house only once. Photo – July 26, 2019
Bill and Hillary Clinton posed on the home’s front stoop on their wedding day.
I’m standing in the living room where Bill and Hillary’s Methodist wedding ceremony took place on October 11, 1975. I toured the entire house and loved standing where one of the most famous, or infamous, political couples were hitched. But that wasn’t my only favorite place to stand inside the home. Photo – July 26, 2019
When my photographer learned the home’s bathtub was original to when Bill and Hillary lived there, he couldn’t get me in there fast enough. For a split second, I envisioned Hillary lathered in suds as she took a bath. There are some things you just can’t unsee. Photo – July 16, 2019
30 – WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT TAFT BIRTHPLACE CINCINNATI, OHIO
Our 27th President William Howard Taft was born in this house on September 15, 1857. When the larger-than-life Taft was born, the house was situated in the ritzy suburb of Mount Auburn. Today it’s in Cincinnati; roughly one mile from downtown. I’ve made only one visit to Taft’s birthplace. Photo – September 6, 2014
Although I was happy to visit Taft’s birthplace, it was disappointing there weren’t many original furnishings inside the home. In this image, I’m standing in Taft’s boyhood bedroom, but all of the pieces were of the period. It felt as though I was visiting an antique shop. Photo – September 6, 2014
31 – LYNDON B. JOHNSON LBJ RANCH STONEWALL, TEXAS
LBJ’s widowed aunt gave him her dilapidated ranch, which was built in 1914, in exchange for the family home in Johnson City. While President, Lyndon Johnson spent 20% of his time at the ranch, which he dubbed the “Texas White House”. So far, I’ve visited the LBJ Ranch once. Structural issues kept me from touring the interior in 2019, which was a huge disappointment. Photo – July 20, 2019
President Johnson was photographed at his ranch with his wife Lady Bird and daughters Lynda and Luci.
I was shocked when the NPS Ranger Jack Burton allowed me to stand on LBJ’s diving board. The President loved to swim in this pool. Johnson had a fatal heart attack at 3:39pm on January 22, 1973 inside his bedroom in the main house. LBJ was 64 at the time of his death. Photo – July 20, 2019
32 – HERBERT HOOVER HOOVER BIRTHPLACE WEST BRANCH, IOWA
Jesse Hoover built this two-room cottage in 1871. Three years later, ‘Bertie’ was born on August 10, 1874. Hoover was the first President born west of the Mississippi River. My first visit to the Hoover birthplace was in 2015, my second visit came six years later. Photo – October 8, 2021
During my self-guided tour of the two-room cottage, I stood on this fold-down table in the room the Hoover’s used as a living room, dining room, and kitchen. Photo – October 8, 2021
33 – GROVER CLEVELAND CLEVELAND BIRTHPLACE CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY
Originally known as the Caldwell Presbyterian Church Manse, this house served as the parsonage in which Reverend Richard Cleveland served as pastor. On March 18, 1877, Stephen Grover Cleveland was born. Unfortunately, due to COVID protocols in 2020, I wasn’t able to tour the interior of the birthplace. Photo – July 15, 2020
As I stood on the porch and looked at the caution tape used to keep visitors out of the home, I thought about the fact that Grover Cleveland lived in this home for the first four years of his life. In 1881, Richard Cleveland moved his family to Fayetteville, New York. Photo – July 15, 2020
34 – ANDREW JACKSON THE HERMITAGE HERMITAGE, TENNESSEE
Built by Andrew Jackson in 1835, the 7th President lived in the mansion until his death on June 8, 1845 at the age of 78. During my first and only trip to the Hermitage, I did not tour the interior due to their strict ‘No Photography’ policy. Because of that policy, and because I never went inside, I was forced to rank the Hermitage 34th. Photo – July 7, 2014
I was disappointed when my photographer decided to boycott the mansion because I had wanted to see the bedroom where the President had died. On December 22, 1828, shortly after Andrew’s election, Rachel Jackson also died inside the Hermitage at the age of 61. She was buried in the gown she had chosen for the inauguration. Photo – July 7, 2014
35 – JOE BIDEN BIDEN CHILDHOOD HOME SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA
Shortly after President Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, his parents brought him home to this house in the Green Ridge neighborhood of Scranton. Due to some financial difficulties, Jean and Joe Biden, Sr. were forced to live with Jean’s parents, Ambrose and Catherine Finnegan. Our 46th President grew up in that house; he spent the first ten years of his life there. I’ve only visited Scranton once, but likely will be back because my photographer placed me on the wrong step. Photo – May 24, 2021
Joe Biden waved to the crowd while he visited his boyhood home during a stop in Scranton on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020. When Biden met the home’s owner, he said: “It’s good to be home.”
I love to stand in the footsteps of the Presidents, and I had the opportunity to stand in “fresh” footsteps at Biden’s childhood home. That’s because just 202 days earlier, Democratic candidate Joe Biden walked on this sidewalk and stood where I’m standing during a visit to the home on November 3, 2020, which was Election Day. Photo – May 24, 2021
Presidential candidate Joe Biden talked with his granddaughters about his childhood and growing up in that neighborhood.
36 – GERALD R. FORD VICE PRESIDENT’S HOME ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
I’m standing on the stoop of a two-story brick home in Alexandria, Virginia that was built in 1955 for U.S. House of Representative member Gerald R. Ford and his family. Ford lived in this house from the time it was built to when he moved into the White House on August 19, 1974. I’ve stood in front of the Ford House twice, once in 2014 and a second time in 2019. Photo – May 15, 2019
President Gerald Ford walked out of his house in Alexandria, Virginia with First Lady Betty Ford in the doorway on August 18, 1974, having concluded his first week in office. The following day, on August 19th, the Ford’s moved into the White House.
For me, it was an awesome experience to visit this home as it was the residence of a sitting President for ten days before he moved into the White House. The Fords were forced to wait while Nixon’s belongings were removed from the White House following his resignation on August 9, 1974. Photo – May 15, 2019
37 – JOHN QUINCY ADAMS BIRTHPLACE HOME QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS
I’m standing alongside a small saltbox home in Quincy, Massachusetts that was purchased in 1744 by Deacon John Adams. The Deacon gave the home to his son, John Adams, who moved into the place with his new bride Abigail Smith shortly after their marriage in 1764. About three years later, John Quincy Adams was born in this house on July 11, 1767. Photo – July 14, 2017
Although I toured John Quincy’s birthplace, as well as the birthplace of his father John Adams that was nearby, photography was not allowed inside either home. That was not only disappointing, but a surprise because both homes were void of authentic artifacts. Even though this home is very historically significant, it ranked low on my list because of the ‘No Photography’ rule. Photo – July 14, 2017
38 – FRANKLIN PIERCE PIERCE MANSE CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Franklin and Jane Pierce bought this home in Concord, New Hampshire shortly after Jane persuaded her husband to resign his seat in the U.S. Senate. They lived in the home from 1842 to 1848; leaving only four years before Franklin was elected as our 14th President. Photo – July 11, 2017
The Pierce Manse was threatened by demolition in 1971, but a group of locals who called themselves ‘The Pierce Brigade’ saved the house and had it moved to its present location. Unfortunately for me, during my only visit to the home, that same ‘Brigade’ refused to allow my photographer to take pictures inside the house. No surprise, stubborn Tom refused to take the tour. Perhaps next time! Photo – July 11, 2017
39 – MILLARD FILLMORE FILLMORE HOUSE EAST AURORA, NEW YORK
The house’s porch I’m standing on is the only surviving home associated with President Millard Fillmore with the exception of the White House. The day I visited the home in 2014, the interior was closed to visitors. Fillmore built the house in 1826, which was originally located on Main Street in East Aurora and moved in with his new bride Abigail Powers shortly after their marriage. Photo – June 20, 2014
Although the Fillmore’s lived there for only four years before they moved to Buffalo, their son, Millard Powers Fillmore, was born in the home on April 25, 1828. A fact I found interesting was Margaret and Irving Price, of Fisher-Price toy fame, rescued the decaying home in 1930. Once purchased, they moved it from Main Street to its current location and had the place restored. I’ve been to the Fillmore home once. Photo – June 20, 2014
40 – DONALD TRUMP TRUMP TOWER MANAHATTAN, NEW YORK
I’ve been to Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in NYC once, and because my visit was during Donald Trump’s Presidency, I had to endure Secret Service scrutiny before going inside. Trump Tower opened in 1983 and was 664 feet tall. Even though it ranked low on my list, it’s still one of the more impressive-looking Presidential homes. Photo – July 18, 2017
Similar to its brash, rich owner, Trump Tower seemed larger-than-life; and quite frankly, I was intimidated to be there. Once I was carried through the front entrance, I saw most of the first floor, as well as the atrium on the second level. Photo – July 18, 2017
I’m standing outdoors on the fourth level of Trump Tower. Look up, way up – I was only 50 floors from Donald Trump’s residence in the penthouse. As I stood there, I thought to myself: “This Presidential home sure looks more luxurious than Herbert Hoover’s birthplace!” Photo – July 18, 2017
41 – BARACK OBAMA KENWOOD HOME CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
I’m standing outside of the Kenwood mansion that Barack and Michelle Obama purchased in 2005. The Obama’s lived in that house when Barack became a U.S. Senator and were there during his Presidential campaign and election in 2008. It was my first visit to the Greenwood Avenue home located on Chicago’s South Side. Photo – February 5, 2022
While I’ve been inside a lot of Presidential homes, the home of Barack Obama wasn’t one of them. As a matter of fact, my photographer and I couldn’t even get close to the front yard. Secret Service had the perimeter of the home coordained off from the public, which left me scratching my resin head. However, it turned out the Obama’s still owned the home, even though they had moved to the Washington D.C. area. Photo – February 5, 2022
42 – ZACHARY TAYLOR SPRINGFIELD LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
This two-story brick home in Louisville, Kentucky was the boyhood home of President Zachary Taylor from 1790 to 1808. During my first and only visit to the site, it turned out the Presidential home was a private residence. Since we were only in our second year of travel, my photographer stayed out of the yard. Photo – July 6, 2014
On June 18, 1810, Zachary Taylor returned to the home to marry the love of his life Margaret “Peggy” Mackall. As a matter of fact, five of their six children were born in the house as well. I hope Bob Moldenhauer accompanies my photographer and me on our next trip to Louisville. With Bob as an accomplice, I’m sure I’ll get a lot closer to the home – perhaps I’ll even make it into the back yard. Photo – July 6, 2014
43 – GEORGE H.W. BUSH WALKER’S POINT ESTATE KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE
Walker’s Point Estate, otherwise known as the Bush Compound, was built in 1902 on a small peninsula known as Walker’s Point that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. George H.W. Bush spent much of his childhood there when his maternal grandfather George Herbert Walker owned it. Bush 41 purchased the estate in 1977 and used it as his ‘Summer White House’ during his term as President. I made my only visit to the area four decades after Bush bought the place. Photo – July 14, 2017
A portrait of former President George H.W. Bush and his family in front of their Kennebunkport, Maine, home in 1986.
Had I wanted to get closer to the estate, I needed to scale a bevy of rocks and swim across Sandy Cove, where I’m sure I’d be greeted by the Secret Service on the other side of the cove. While the house looked amazing from the distance, I ranked it 43rd because I’ve learned the world’s biggest scoundrel, the most hated human on the face of the Earth, the scumbag of our planet, Vladimir Putin had visited President George W. Bush at the estate in July 2007. Too bad the great white sharks weren’t hungry when Putin went for a dip in the ocean. I bet the sharks would’ve spat that rancid garbage out after one bite. Photo – July 14, 2017
44 – WILLIAM McKINLEY SAXTON-McKINLEY HOME CANTON, OHIO
Built between 1841 and 1865, this was the childhood home of Ida Saxton; it’s also the only home in Canton with significant ties to William McKinley. While serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, William and Ida McKinley lived in this house from 1878 to 1891. I’ve been to the Sexton-McKinley House only once, but I will return again in 2022. It had just closed the day I visited in 2013. Photo – July 11, 2013
Although the Saxton-McKinley House had closed for the day, officials allowed my photographer to enter the home for one quick photo. When his attempt to set me on the handrail of the stairway failed, Tom snapped the image without me. McKinley is one of my favorites, but unfortunately, I haven’t seen any other original homes associated with our 25th President besides this one. Photo – July 11, 2013
45 – CHESTER ARTHUR LINCOLN’S COTTAGE WASHINGTON, D.C.
Unfortunately, I’ve haven’t been to many sites associated with President Chester Arthur. I’ve visited Arthur’s birth site, the Lincoln Cottage, and Chester’s grave – that’s been it. Like Buchanan, Lincoln and Hayes before him, President Arthur used this home as his “Summer White House”. Photo – July 19, 2014
This home ranked 45th and last on my list of Presidential homes, only because it didn’t seem very significant in the life of Chester Arthur. While Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation within its walls, Chester Arthur didn’t do anything historically significant there except nurture his extremely long sideburns. Photo – July 19, 2014
I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of the Presidential homes I’ve visited in the past. I’ve been to dozens of others, but this list represented my single favorite home of each President. What did you think of my ranking? Have you been to any of the homes? Should I have ranked any of them higher? Lower? Please share your comments below and let me know which homes you have visited. I’d love to read your thoughts and comments.
In a previous post, I had ranked all of the Presidential gravesites from my favorite to least favorite; and now I’ve done the same with the Presidential homes. In a future post, I will rank all of the Presidential birth sites. In the meantime, thanks for reading this post – please become an official follower. Also, please check out my show, ‘Hail to the Chief’, at bluewaterhealthyliving.com and search the Entertainment section for all of my episodes.
My name is Thomas Watson and I've been a U.S. history fanatic since I was 9 years old. In 2013, I decided to take my passion to the next level when I purchased a Thomas Jefferson bobble head with the sole intention of photographing that bobble head at Presidential sites. From that first day on July 10, 2013 at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio, this journey has taken on a life of its own. Now, nearly 40,000 miles later, I thought it was time to share the experiences, stories, and photos of Jefferson's travels. Keep in mind, this entire venture has been done with the deepest respect for the men who held the office as our President; no matter what their political affiliations, personal ambitions, or public scandals may have been. This blog is intended to be a true tribute to the Presidents of the United States and this story will be told Through the Eyes of Jefferson. I hope you enjoy the ride!
