William McKinley National Memorial | Canton

The William McKinley National Memorial in Canton, Ohio, is a grand and solemn tribute dedicated to William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. It serves both as his final resting place and as a symbol of his legacy and impact on the nation.

Historical Background

After President McKinley was assassinated in 1901, there was a national movement to honor his memory with a fitting monument.

The McKinley National Memorial Association was established to oversee the project, raising funds from across the country.

The memorial was completed and dedicated on September 30, 1907, with President Theodore Roosevelt attending the dedication ceremony.

Architecture and Design

Architect: H. Van Buren Magonigle designed the memorial, blending Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts architectural styles, common in monumental public buildings of the early 20th century.

Structure:

The memorial is a large circular mausoleum made of pink granite, approximately 79 feet in diameter and rising 96 feet high.

The shape and grandeur emphasize dignity, strength, and permanence.

Entrance:

Massive bronze double doors, which were the largest in the United States at the time, lead into the mausoleum.

Interior:

The walls are faced with Tennessee marble, creating a stately and serene environment.

The floor features colored marble arranged in a cross pattern, symbolizing faith and sacrifice.

A beautiful stained-glass skylight with 45 stars-one for each state in the Union at the time of McKinley’s death-crowns the dome.

Statue:

On the exterior, midway up the 108 granite steps leading to the memorial, there is a 9½-foot bronze statue of McKinley sculpted by Charles Henry Niehaus.

The statue depicts McKinley delivering his last public speech at the Pan-American Exposition, capturing a historic and poignant moment.

Mausoleum and Burial

Inside the mausoleum lies the final resting place of President William McKinley, his wife Ida Saxton McKinley, and their two daughters, who died in childhood.

The tomb is simple yet dignified, emphasizing respect and solemnity for the family.

Location and Grounds

The memorial is situated on a high hill in Canton, Ohio, overlooking the city with panoramic views.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped with paths and green spaces for reflection and remembrance.

Visitors can climb the 108 steps that lead up to the memorial, a symbolic journey honoring McKinley’s legacy.

Visiting Information

Address: 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708

Hours: Grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk.

Admission: Free to visit the memorial grounds.

Tours: Interior tours of the mausoleum are available by appointment through the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, which manages the site.

Significance

The memorial is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

It reflects early 20th-century American values of honor, patriotism, and remembrance for a president who led the nation during a time of significant growth and change.

Architecturally, it stands as an impressive example of classical revival design applied to a presidential memorial.

Additional Notes

The McKinley National Memorial is often visited together with the adjacent William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, where visitors can learn more about McKinley’s life, presidency, and the historical context of his era.

The memorial offers a solemn and reflective experience, emphasizing McKinley’s leadership, his tragic assassination, and his enduring legacy in American history.

This memorial remains a powerful tribute to a president who shaped the United States during a pivotal period and provides a place for visitors to honor and reflect on his contributions to the nation.