Wheatland | Lancaster

Wheatland is the historic estate and former home of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States. Located in Lancaster Township, Pennsylvania, Wheatland offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-19th-century life and the legacy of one of America’s presidents.

Location and Historical Significance

Wheatland sits at 1120 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster Township, just outside downtown Lancaster. The estate was originally built in 1828 by William Jenkins, a local attorney. It earned its name “The Wheatlands” because it was surrounded by extensive wheat fields at the time.

James Buchanan purchased Wheatland in 1848 and lived there for the remainder of his life until 1868. The mansion served not only as his personal residence but also as a political hub-Buchanan delivered his first presidential campaign speech on its front lawn in 1856. Today, Wheatland is preserved as a museum by LancasterHistory, dedicated to educating the public about Buchanan’s life, career, and the broader historical context of the era.

Architecture and Grounds

The estate features a striking Federal-style mansion of about 13,000 square feet. The house is built with classic symmetry, large windows, and refined decorative details characteristic of early 19th-century American architecture.

The property includes approximately 22.5 acres of landscaped meadows, orchards, and gardens, maintaining the pastoral charm of its original setting. On the grounds, visitors can see original outbuildings such as:

A luxurious privy (outhouse), noted for its unusual design and preservation

An ice house combined with a smokehouse, used for food storage and preservation

These features provide insight into daily life in the 1800s and the operation of a well-to-do estate.

Visiting Wheatland

Wheatland is open to the public for guided tours that combine architectural history, presidential biography, and local heritage.

Hours of Operation: Open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The last guided tour begins at 3:00 PM.

Admission: Visitors receive a 24-minute orientation film followed by a 50-minute guided tour through the mansion and grounds. Tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance.

Special Events: One popular program is “Yuletide at Wheatland,” an annual holiday event where the mansion is decorated in period style, offering a festive view of 19th-century Christmas traditions.

Virtual Experience: A 360° virtual tour is available online, allowing remote visitors to explore the mansion and grounds interactively.

Visitor Tips and Directions

The main entrance for visitors is at 230 North President Avenue. Although GPS directions often point to the Marietta Avenue driveway, that entrance is closed to vehicles, so visitors should plan to use the North President Avenue entrance for parking and access.

Educational Value

Wheatland serves as an important educational resource that:

Illuminates the personal life and presidency of James Buchanan

Explores architectural trends of the Federal period

Provides cultural and historical context of mid-19th-century America

Offers insights into agricultural practices and domestic life through the estate’s grounds and outbuildings

Contact and Additional Information

Address: 1120 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster Township, PA

Phone: Provided on the official site for reservations and inquiries

Wheatland is a rich, immersive experience for history enthusiasts, students, and tourists seeking to understand a complex period of American history through the life and home of one of its presidents.