Interest in the life and legacy of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, has been reignited, and Ohio stands as a central hub for exploring his history. Born and laid to rest in the Buckeye State, McKinley’s influence is commemorated through a multitude of museums and monuments, drawing visitors curious about his contributions, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s recent commendations of McKinley’s Gilded Age presidency from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. As a result, Ohio’s McKinley attractions have experienced a notable increase in online engagement, with expectations of a corresponding rise in tourism.
Despite the renewed focus, there remains a distinction between the political landscapes of McKinley’s era and today’s global economy. In McKinley’s time, the United States was emerging as a manufacturing powerhouse, with tariffs being a strategic tool to protect domestic growth. Today, the global economy presents a vastly different context. Historical records reveal that Republicans faced significant electoral defeats after the implementation of the McKinley Tariff in 1890, and McKinley himself appeared to reconsider his stance on tariffs shortly before his death in 1901.
Ohio offers several historical sites dedicated to McKinley. Among these is the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial in Niles, near Youngstown, which features a classical Greek marble monument and a small museum. In Canton, known for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, visitors can delve deeper into McKinley’s life and policies at the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. The museum boasts interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and the prominent McKinley Monument, which includes the mausoleum of the McKinley family. Additional McKinley memorabilia can be found at the Canton Classic Car Museum.
Not all views on McKinley’s legacy are favorable. In Arcata, California, residents decided to remove an 8-foot sculpture of McKinley due to his association with imperialism. The statue, previously displaced by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, now resides at the Stark County Courthouse in Canton, following its acquisition and restoration by a local foundation.
For those interested in exploring more of McKinley’s personal story, the Saxton-McKinley House in Canton, part of the National First Ladies Historic Site, provides a glimpse into his domestic life. Though the original home of McKinley’s famed “front porch campaign” no longer stands, visitors can view a replica at the museum and artifacts related to his campaign at the Stark County District Library.
Additional historical landmarks connected to McKinley include the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums in Fremont, and a statue in front of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, where McKinley once served as governor. In Buffalo, New York, a 96-foot obelisk marks the site of his assassination during the Pan-American Exposition in 1901.
The Historical Context and Its Relevance
The resurgence of interest in William McKinley’s presidency and policies offers an opportunity to reflect on historical parallels and divergences with contemporary political and economic challenges. As tourism in Ohio potentially increases, local economies may benefit from the heightened attention on McKinley’s legacy, contributing to cultural and educational engagement in the region.
For modern audiences, understanding McKinley’s era provides insights into the evolution of American economic strategies, particularly in the context of manufacturing and tariff policies. This historical perspective may inform current discussions on trade and economic policies, highlighting how past decisions shaped present-day realities.
Moreover, the reassessment of monuments and historical figures, as seen in Arcata’s removal of McKinley’s statue, underscores ongoing national conversations about how history is remembered and interpreted. These debates can influence public policy and cultural narratives, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement with historical legacies.