U.S. Presidents didn’t start out in the White House, you know? Many grew up in simple farmhouses, city apartments, or modest homes before eventually landing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And here’s the cool part: you can actually visit some of those childhood homes today. These places give you a glimpse into who they were before the fame, the power, and the history books.
So, if you’re curious about the early lives of presidents of the United States, come along for a tour of the homes they once lived in. It’s a great way to see the more personal, down-to-earth side of the people who helped shape the country.
Abraham Lincoln’s house in Springfield, Illinois
The Lincoln Home — Springfield, Illinois
You’ll find Abraham Lincoln’s family home at Eighth and Jackson in Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln lived here with his wife Mary Todd and their children from 1844 until 1861. He bought the house from Reverend Charles Dresser—the same man who had married him and Mary. Lincoln paid $1,500 for the place and spent the next several years making it his own. He didn’t just settle in; he remodeled the house multiple times, even adding a second floor as the family grew. This home saw Lincoln’s rise from local lawyer to national figure. When he left for Washington, D.C. in 1861 to become President, it was from this very doorstep.
Clinton House Museum — Fayetteville, Arkansas
President Bill Clinton took then girlfriend Hilary Rodham past this tiny brick bungalow home in Fayetteville, Arkansas on the way to dropping her off at the airport. He was a law professor at the University of Arkansas at the time. After a comment she made about how pretty it was, Clinton bought the home on a modest salary, telling Hilary that she had to marry him now. She did in the Clinton House Museum’s very living room. The one bedroom home contains displays of early speeches and campaign memorabilia along with a replica of Hilary’s wedding dress. 17 years after their marriage in that ordinary living room, Bill would be elected president of the United States.
Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Estate
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is one of the most austere and impressive presidential homes you will ever find. Inherited by Washington in 1754, the man who would become the first president and the Father of the United States spent 45 long years turning Mount Vernon into a grand estate. Located a short distance from Washington, D.C. in Alexandria, Virginia, Mount Vernon exudes Washington’s influence from the estate’s regal gardens to its 21-room mansion. Tours of the site cover a variety of topics, including a detailed analysis of Washington’s life and even how people lived in the 18th Century. And now, an fun fact: Washington’s love for Mount Vernon and his desire to return to the estate led him to decline a third term, establishing a major precedent in American politics.
The Truman Farm — Grandview, Missouri
Harry Truman gave up a $100-a-month bank job to help out on his family’s farm in Grandview, Missouri. That meant early mornings milking cows, long days working the land, and no modern comforts — no plumbing, no electricity. He stuck it out for 11 years, living in a simple farmhouse with his parents, grandmother, sister, and brother.
It wasn’t easy, but those years grounded him and helped shape his outlook. Today, you can visit the farmhouse and explore the surrounding 10 acres. It’s a quiet, honest look at where one of America’s presidents really came from.
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Monticello is both a historical and architectural wonder as the home of the third president and writer of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. Located in the middle of the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains in Charlottesville, Virginia, Jefferson began construction on Monticello in 1769 and continued altering the home until his death on July 4, 1826. Tourists visiting Monticello have plenty of options on how to spend their day, including tours of the fabled mansion itself and tours of Monticello’s history of slavery. Those who visited the site in the past, however, recommend buying a premium pass for tours of the second and third floor. While pricey at $67 a person, Monticello’s premium tours allow visitors the opportunity to visit the estate’s famed Dome Room and even the bedroom where Jefferson died at the age of 83.
Ash Lawn-Highland — Charlottesville, Virginia
With neighbors like Monticello and Montpelier, James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland might look a bit modest at first glance. But don’t let that fool you. This was the home of the fifth president of the United States, and he lived here from 1793 to 1826. Inside, you’ll find original Monroe furnishings that give you a real sense of how he lived.
Today, the home and its 535-acre working farm are owned by the College of William and Mary, Monroe’s alma mater. When you visit, you’re not just stepping into a house—you’re stepping into history that’s been carefully preserved and still very much alive.
Franklin D. Roosevelt House
Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home in Hyde Park, New York is another example of the grandeur and influence of the presidency. A possession of the Roosevelt family since 1866, the 32nd president began a largescale remodeling of the residence in 1915 to both house his burgeoning family and act as a place where he could entertain political associates. During his four terms in office, Roosevelt met with countless dignitaries at his Hyde Park residence, including British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Roosevelt’s residence is also important as it is home to the first presidential library, which opened when Roosevelt was still in office in 1939. In addition to the history of the site, tourists looking to spend a day at Roosevelt’s home will also enjoy its spectacular views of the Hudson River and Colonial Revival architecture.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill
Theodore Roosevelt’s residence of Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, New York is perfectly emblematic of America’s 26th president. Roosevelt decided to name the residence Sagamore after the Algonquin word for chief. As anyone familiar with American history knows, Roosevelt took the power of the presidency to new heights with the bully pulpit, using his platform to call attention to some of the most important issues. Sagamore Hill is also indicative of the former president’s love of conservation. The estate includes many hiking trails and even access to the local beach. Roosevelt’s love of big game hunting is also on full display at Sagamore Hill, with two rooms being dedicated to the president’s trophies. Roosevelt was so enamored of Sagamore Hill that he spent many summers at the residence during his presidency, leading many historians to refer to it as the Summer White House.
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Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage
Unlike Mount Vernon and Monticello, Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is not a true architectural wonder. While a beautiful home, it’s the 19th Century equivalent of a McMansion, displaying the same architectural style and design of most Southern mansions of the era. The main reason to visit The Hermitage is to learn more about the life of America’s 7th president. While many would call Jackson eccentric, others claim that he was downright crazy. Jackson is reputed to have engaged in 100 duels throughout the course of life and once had to be restrained by members of Congress after he severely beat a would-be assassin with his cane.
FAQs:
Q: Are these Presidential homes open year-round?
A: Most are open year-round, but hours can vary by season. Always check the official website for seasonal closures, especially around major holidays or during winter months.
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
A: It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially for popular sites like Monticello and Mount Vernon. Some tours or special exhibits may sell out or require timed entry.
Q: Are these historic sites kid-friendly?
A: Yes, many offer kid-focused tours, hands-on exhibits, or Junior Ranger programs. Check each site’s website to see what’s available for families.
Q: Can I take photos inside the Presidential homes?
A: Policies vary. Some allow non-flash photography, while others restrict indoor photos entirely. Outdoor photos are generally allowed, but signs will let you know what’s permitted.
Q: Are the homes accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
A: Some are fully accessible, while others have limited access due to their historic nature. Visitor centers often provide accommodations like ramps, virtual tours, or wheelchairs.
Q: Is there parking available at each site?
A: Most locations offer on-site or nearby parking, though it may be limited during busy seasons. Some sites, like Mount Vernon or Monticello, also provide shuttle service from parking lots.
Q: Can I bring food or have a picnic on the grounds?
A: Many sites allow picnicking in designated areas but not inside the homes or near delicate gardens. Some locations also have on-site cafés or snack shops for visitors.
Have you ever visited any of these Presidential homes on your travels? Where did you go? Let us know in our comments section below!
