William Howard Taft National Historic Site, Cincinnati
Located on Auburn Avenue in Cincinnati鈥檚 Mount Auburn Historic District, the William Howard Taft National Historic Site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the only person to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the United States鈥擶illiam Howard Taft. Just a mile north of downtown, the home sits in what was once a summer escape for Cincinnati鈥檚 upper class, drawn to Mount Auburn鈥檚 breezy hills.
The house, a modest Greek Revival structure likely built in the early 1840s by the Bowen family, became home to the Taft family in the early 1850s. Alphonso Taft, a Vermont transplant and prominent Cincinnati lawyer, moved in with his wife Fanny Phelps Taft, who sadly died just a year later. Alphonso remarried in 1853, and his second wife, Louise Torrey, gave birth to William Howard Taft in the home鈥檚 rear nursery on September 15, 1857.
Though smaller than neighboring mansions, the Taft home was still a hub of activity. It hosted local politicians and future president James A. Garfield, with rugs rolled up in the parlor for dancing. Alphonso鈥檚 library, filled with his book collection, served as the family鈥檚 intellectual center.
William lived there until leaving for Yale in 1874. The family's connection to the house gradually diminished, especially after a fire damaged the upper floor in 1877. Alphonso and Louise leased out the home in 1889 and relocated to California. After Alphonso died in 1891, the house served as a temporary gathering place for mourners.
In 1964, the site was officially designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing both the architectural and historical significance of the house where a future president once played, read, and dreamed.
The house, a modest Greek Revival structure likely built in the early 1840s by the Bowen family, became home to the Taft family in the early 1850s. Alphonso Taft, a Vermont transplant and prominent Cincinnati lawyer, moved in with his wife Fanny Phelps Taft, who sadly died just a year later. Alphonso remarried in 1853, and his second wife, Louise Torrey, gave birth to William Howard Taft in the home鈥檚 rear nursery on September 15, 1857.
Though smaller than neighboring mansions, the Taft home was still a hub of activity. It hosted local politicians and future president James A. Garfield, with rugs rolled up in the parlor for dancing. Alphonso鈥檚 library, filled with his book collection, served as the family鈥檚 intellectual center.
William lived there until leaving for Yale in 1874. The family's connection to the house gradually diminished, especially after a fire damaged the upper floor in 1877. Alphonso and Louise leased out the home in 1889 and relocated to California. After Alphonso died in 1891, the house served as a temporary gathering place for mourners.
In 1964, the site was officially designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing both the architectural and historical significance of the house where a future president once played, read, and dreamed.
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William Howard Taft National Historic Site on Map
Sight Name: William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cincinnati, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cincinnati
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cincinnati is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Eden Park Walking Tour
Eden Park is undoubtedly the most popular park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This large outdoor area blends culture, history, and architecture in one stunning location. The park spans across lush greenery and scenic spots, making it a beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike. Apart from offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban bustle, Eden Park is also home to a number of famous city landmarks.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Over-the-Rhine District Walking Tour
The historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is one of the largest districts in the U.S. recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Its name comes from the predominantly German immigrants who developed the area in the mid-19th century and had to commute across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal (nicknamed "the Rhine" in reference to the river in Germany) which separated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Cincinnati Introduction Walking Tour
Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio鈥攁 place that blends historical richness with the vibrancy of cultural attractions!
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Cincinnati's Historical Buildings
A place where remarkable landmarks, river views and rolling hills are all part of the cityscape, Cincinnati, OH is a home to one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. German homes, French cathedrals and splendid 19th-century mansions are found here in abundance. The list of architectural styles present in the city is truly impressive and includes Greek-,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles