Buffalo might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of presidential history. However, it’s actually had an outsized amount of this type of history and few cities that weren’t capitals of the country can claim as much.
So, if you’re looking to explore the amazing presidential history in Buffalo, here are some spots you won’t want to miss.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Probably the most impactful presidential history sites in Buffalo is the Theodore Roosevelt Inaguaral National Historic Site.
After President William McKinley was assassinated in the city (more on that in a minute), his vice-president, Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office in the parlor of his friend Ansley Wilcox’s house in September 1901.
Today, the home has been turned into a museum that covers McKinley’s assassination, the events that happened in this home, and Roosevelt’s presidency as a whole.
This is truly a fascinating spot.
Spot Where President McKinley was Shot
President William McKinley was struck by an assassin’s bullet on September 5, 1901 while greeting the public inside the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exhibition.
Like nearly all of the buildings built for the Pan-American Exhibition, despite it’s grandeur and opulence, the Temple of Music was only designed to be a temporary structure. Because of this, and despite its historic importance, it was torn down in August of 1903.
Today, the assassination site is marked with a small sign on a rock in the median of a residential area. Whether this marks the exact spot where McKinley was standing or not is up for debate, but it’s certainly as close as you’ll be able to stand.
Spot Where President McKinley Died
President McKinley didn’t die instantly when he was shot. Instead, he languished for 9 days before finally succumbing to his wounds on September 14, 1901.
His death took place in the Milburn House, where he had been staying during his visit. He had initially appeared to get better, but the wound became infected and he died in the home.
The home is said to have been a tourist attraction before catching fire in 1907 and eventually being demolished in 1957 to make way for a parking lot.
Today, a small sign marks the spot where the house stood.
Buffalo History Museum
If you want to learn more about McKinley’s assassination, the Buffalo History Museum is a must-visit spot.
This is in part because the museum is located in the last remaining building from the Pan-American Exhibition. McKinley even attended a luncheon here the day before he was shot.
If that’s not enough, the museum’s has an incredible collection of items related to the assassination including the gun and handkerchief used by assassin Leon Czolgosz, the handcuffs used to restrain him, and the tools used on the president during surgery.
Of course, there’s also a lot of other history to be seen here, which is why it’s one of my favorite museums in Buffalo.
McKinley Monument
Located in downtown Buffalo right in front of the city’s impressive City Hall sits a giant obelisk dedicated to the memory of President William McKinley.
This monument is 96 feet in height and is surrounded by four lions. It was dedicated on September 5, 1906, the fifth anniversary of McKinley’s being shot.
While McKinley was buried in Canton, Ohio, this monument in Niagara Square is a perfect spot to visit to pay your respects.
Millard Fillmore House
America’s 13th President, Millard Fillmore, spent much of his adulthood in the area around Buffalo. While he lived in several different homes, the only one still standing is the home he built himself in the Buffalo suburb of East Aurora.
Fillmore lived in this home from 1826 until 1830 while practicing law in the city. He become the Vice President in 1849 and would ascend to the presidency in 1850 when President Zachary Taylor died in office.
Today, the Millard Fillmore House preserves his legacy and offers a fascinating look into his life and career. I also really appreciated how many original pieces they had in the home.
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Forest Lawn Cemetery in north Buffalo is the final resting place of many prominent people, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the grave of President Millard Fillmore.
Fillmore died in Buffalo on March 8, 1874 and was buried in a beautiful, but somewhat understated grave in the middle of the cemetery. Those wanting to pay their respects can visit the cemetery during daylight hours.
Also of interest to those who appreciate presidential history is that the cemetery is also home to the grave of Representative Shirley Chisholm. In the 1972 election, Chisholm became the first black American to run for President for a major party, and was the first woman to run for President as a Democrat.
Looking for even more things to do in the area? Check out the Herschell Carrousel Factory, the best breweries in Buffalo, and the Buffalo River History Tours.
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