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Hayes Presidential
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The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio is home of
the nation's first presidential library and museum. The Center is a
tribute to Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States.
It opened to the public May 30, 1916.
Rutherford B. Hayes earned widespread public recognition for his
heroism and leadership during the Civil War. As commander of the 23rd
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he rose in rank from major to brevet major
general. He was wounded five times in battle. His military achievements
paved the way for a political career that led to the presidency.
President Hayes served one term in the White House, from 1877-1881,
choosing not to seek re-election. Hallmarks of the Hayes administration
were equality for all and education for the masses. His honesty and
fairness in dealing with issues, from the rights of freedmen to prison
conditions, resulted in a renewed respect for the office of the
president. Hayes and wife Lucy retired to Fremont to take up residence
at their beloved Spiegel Grove estate. Amid the towering trees and
expansive lawns, Hayes set about collecting artifacts that would relate
the story of the Gilded Age to future generations. After his 1893 death,
Hayes' foresight inspired his son Webb C. Hayes to conceive plans for
creating a facility to honor his father and display his artifacts and
collected records. Work on the structure started in 1912.
Today the three-story Hayes Museum/Library complex showcases
those same artifacts, as well as President Hayes' diaries, presidential
papers, books and family possessions. The displays chronicle Hayes' life
emphasizing his influence and impact on the nation, the State of Ohio,
the presidency, the Civil War and the period of American life known as
the Gilded Age. The Hayes Museum is host to numerous exclusive
exhibitions. In addition to being a repository for primary sources
related to President Hayes, the Hayes Research Library is home to one of
the area's largest genealogy collections.
The Hayes Home is a stately 31-room brick mansion constructed in
three stages between 1859 and 1889. The Hayes Home contains original
furnishings belonging to the President and his family. Guides take
visitors through two floors of the home, explaining its history and
offering insights into the lives of President and Lucy Hayes.
Spiegel Grove itself is a historic landmark. Representing a quarter of
the President's original 100-acre estate, the grounds contain remnants
of two historic trails: the Scioto Indian Trail and the Harrison Trail
(a supply route during the War of 1812). The graves of President Hayes
and his wife Lucy, both of whom died at Spiegel Grove, are located on
the grounds. Guided grounds tours of the 25-acre site are available.
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