Presidential Birthplaces: From Humble Beginnings to Greatness
Not every great leader was born with wealth and privilege. In fact, some of the greatest U.S. presidents came from the most humble of abodes. In honor of this Election Day, we took a look at some of our favorite presidential birthplaces.
1.) Abraham Lincoln
The humble beginning for Abraham Lincoln.
Arguably one of the greatest leaders in our nation's history, Abraham Lincoln could not have come from a more humble beginning. This one-room cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky, measured only 16 ft. x 18 ft., had a dirt floor, a stone fireplace, and a single window.
2.) Dwight Eisenhower
Eisenhower's home is now a Texas Historic Landmark.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in this simple 2-story frame house in Denison, Texas. He was the first U.S. President from Texas--although he didn't know that until he was an adult. Eisenhower's family moved to Kansas when he was 2 years old, and he had no knowledge of his Texas origins until a local school principal named Jennie Jackson contacted him and asked if he was related to the Eisenhower family of Denison. Once Eisenhower's mother confirmed that it was indeed his birthplace, Jackson set about raising funds to buy the home, which was then donated to the city of Denison. It is now operated by the Texas Historical Commission, and is a designated Texas Historic Landmark.
3.) Bill Clinton
A modest start for Bill Clinton.
William Jefferson Clinton, our 42nd president, was born in the small town of Hope, Arkansas. He lived in this modest house in Hope with his recently-widowed mother and her parents until he was 4 years old. It was in this home that Clinton first learned about social equality, justice, and a commitment to serving others from his beloved grandfather.
4.) John Adams
A saltbox house in Massachusetts.
John Adams, the second president of the United States, was born in this Quincy, Massachusetts saltbox house that was built in 1681. This historic American colonial structure still stands in its original location, surrounded by the six acres of land that Adams' father--a prominent deacon--bought soon after his birth. Adams lived in this house with his family until the age of 29 when he married Abigail Smith.
5.) Ulysses S. Grant
Ohio Historical Society now owns Ulysses S. Grant's birth home.
Ulysses S. Grant's parents paid $2 a month to rent this tiny home in Point Pleasant, Ohio. Grant was born in this home, but lived there less than a year--his family moved to Georgetown just prior to his first birthday. Today, this site is a historic house museum operated by the Ohio Historical Society, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
