A Presidential Visit to William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Table of Contents
Discover the Only President Who Also Served as Chief Justice
What is the William Howard Taft National Historic Site?
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site preserves the birthplace and boyhood home of William Howard Taft in the Mount Auburn neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. The yellow brick house, built in 1840, sits on a small lot but holds a ton of history. What struck me immediately was how well-preserved and maintained the property is – the brick walkways and landscaping create a welcoming approach to this presidential birthplace.
Hours and Practical Information
The site is open Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Guided tours begin at the start of every hour and half hour, with the final daily tour beginning at 3:30 PM. I’d recommend calling ahead during winter months or checking the National Park Service website, as hours can vary seasonally.
Note, taking the guided tour is really needed to get the most out of your trip.
The best part? Admission is completely free! This makes it an excellent stop for families or anyone interested in presidential history without breaking the budget.
Second best part? There is an animatronic guy in a fishing outfit in the visitor center! No kidding!
Where are the Passport Cancellation Stamps?
As always, one of my first stops was hunting down the National Park Passport stamps! The stamps are located inside the visitor center at the front desk, and the staff was incredibly helpful. Don’t forget to also look for any special stamps they might have – some sites offer bonus stamps during special events or anniversaries, which they do not always display. You may find a cool little stamp behind the counter!
Exploring the Exhibits
Secretary of War Display
The interior exhibits are laid out well and tell the story of Taft’s remarkable career. One of the most impressive displays covers his time as Secretary of War under Theodore Roosevelt. The exhibit includes fascinating photos and documents from his service, including his work in the Philippines and Cuba during the period of American expansion.
Presidential and Supreme Court Years
What makes Taft unique from all our presidents is that he achieved his true dream – serving as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930. The exhibits do an excellent job of explaining how this came about and why Taft actually preferred his judicial role to being President. The displays include family photos, official portraits, and artifacts from both his presidency and his time on the Court.
The guided tour provided insight into Taft’s personality and his family life. Our guide knew his stuff and was engaging, sharing stories about how Taft was known for his jovial nature and his famous weight struggles (he was our heaviest president at over 300 pounds!).
Another Sizeable Topic
One aspect of Taft’s story that is hard to ignore is his struggle with weight throughout his adult life. At his heaviest, Taft weighed over 340 pounds, making him our largest president (in size not ego.) Rather than being a source of shame, Taft approached this challenge with characteristic good humor and openness. He was known to joke about his size and even participated in public weight-loss efforts, including following exercise regimens recommended by his doctors.
What’s interesting is how Taft’s size has unfortunately overshadowed his many accomplishments in popular memory. While the famous “stuck in the bathtub” story is completely false (historians have thoroughly debunked this myth), it’s often the first thing people remember about him. In reality, Taft was a brilliant legal mind, accomplished administrator, and the only person to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court – achievements that deserve to be his true legacy.
What Makes This Visit Special
What I like about visiting these presidential sites like the Taft house, is the creation of a personal connection to the history. You can actually walk through the rooms where a president grew up and imagine what life was like for the Taft family in 19th century Cincinnati.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: The site is easily accessible from downtown Cincinnati and there’s parking available on-site, although it is very small (only six spaces or so!) The neighborhood of Mount Auburn has several other historic homes and is worth exploring if you have extra time.
Time Needed: Plan for about 1-2 hours for the full guided tour and to explore the exhibits. The site is compact but has a lot of information.
Family Friendly: This is a good stop for families, although the really young ones may not get a lot of the context. The guided tours are engaging for older children.
Passport Stamps: If you’re collecting National Park Passport stamps like I am, make sure to grab yours at the visitor center. If you want to learn more about the different passport book options, I’ve got a complete guide to help you choose the best one for you.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Cincinnati offers plenty of other attractions to round out your visit:
- American Sign Museum – A unique collection of vintage neon signs
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – Multiple museums in a stunning Art Deco building that looks like the hall of justice.
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – Important civil rights history
- Findlay Market – Historic public market perfect for lunch
Final Thoughts
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site proves that you don’t need massive monuments or sprawling grounds to create a meaningful historical experience. Sometimes the most intimate settings provide the best connection. Taft may not be the most famous president, but he has a unique story – and an interesting place to visit.
If you’re interested in exploring more passport programs beyond just the National Parks, check out the various state park passport programs available – there are 27 states offering their own unique stamp collecting adventures!
William Howard Taft Historic Site Stats:
- 2023 Visitor Ranking: #315 with 30,757 annual visitors
- Admission: Free
- Passport Stamps: Available at visitor center (Score!)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall to avoid that Ohio Winter, but you can visit all year round
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit William Howard Taft National Historic Site? Admission to William Howard Taft National Historic Site is completely free! It’s an excellent budget-friendly stop for families interested in presidential history while in Cincinnati!
What are the hours for William Howard Taft National Historic Site? The site is open Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with guided tours starting every 30 minutes.
Where can I get National Park passport stamps at the Taft site? National Park passport stamps are available at the visitor center front desk. Staff can help you find any special bonus stamps that might not be displayed.
How long should I plan for my visit to William Howard Taft National Historic Site? Plan for 1-2 hours to fully experience the guided tour of Taft’s birthplace and explore all exhibits in the visitor center.
Is William Howard Taft National Historic Site family-friendly? Yes, the site is family-friendly, though it’s best suited for older children who can appreciate the historical context. The guided tours are engaging for school-age kids.
Where is William Howard Taft National Historic Site located? The site is located at 2038 Auburn Avenue in the Mount Auburn neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, easily accessible from downtown Cincinnati.
Do I need to make reservations for William Howard Taft National Historic Site? Reservations are not required, but guided tours run every 30 minutes and are highly recommended to get the most out of your visit.
