The Assassination of President McKinley and Its Impact on Canton

The assassination of President William McKinley in September 1901 marked a profound national tragedy that especially affected Canton, Ohio, the city he called home. The events following his death transformed Canton physically and symbolically, creating landmarks that continue to define the city more than a century later.

The Assassination

Though the assassination occurred far from Canton, the events leading to McKinley's death stunned the nation and his hometown:

On September 6, 1901, President McKinley attended the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York
While greeting citizens in a reception line, he was shot twice by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist
Initial reports suggested the president might recover from his wounds
McKinley's condition deteriorated, and he died on September 14, 1901
Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as the 26th President of the United States
The nation entered a period of mourning for the slain president

Canton Receives the News

The news of McKinley's shooting and subsequent death profoundly affected Canton:

Initial bulletins about the shooting prompted public gatherings and prayer services
Local newspapers published frequent updates on the president's condition
When news of his death arrived, church bells tolled throughout the city
Public buildings were draped in black bunting and mourning decorations
Schools and businesses closed during the official mourning period
Citizens gathered at McKinley's Canton home on North Market Street

Return to Canton

Following state ceremonies in Washington, D.C. and Buffalo, McKinley's body returned to Canton:

A funeral train carried McKinley's remains from Buffalo to Washington for official ceremonies
After lying in state in the Capitol, the funeral train continued to Canton, arriving on September 18
An estimated 100,000 people lined the streets as the funeral procession moved through Canton
Services were held at the First Methodist Church, where McKinley had been a longtime member
The president's body lay in state at the Stark County Courthouse for public viewing
Thousands of mourners from across the country traveled to Canton to pay respects

Temporary Burial and Memorial Planning

Following the funeral, McKinley was temporarily interred while plans for a permanent memorial developed:

His body was placed in the receiving vault at Canton's West Lawn Cemetery
A national memorial association quickly formed to create a permanent monument
Contributions came from citizens across the country, including many schoolchildren
Congress appropriated $500,000 for the memorial
A site on Monument Hill was selected for the permanent memorial
Architect Harold Van Buren Magonigle's design was chosen from a national competition

Construction of the McKinley National Memorial

The creation of the McKinley National Memorial became a major project for Canton:

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on November 16, 1905
The cornerstone was laid on November 16, 1905, by President Theodore Roosevelt
Construction employed hundreds of local workers
The exterior utilized pink Milford granite for the distinctive color
The interior featured various marbles and bronze decorative elements
On the exterior, 108 steps (representing McKinley's age in years and days) lead to the memorial

Dedication and Final Burial

The McKinley National Memorial was officially dedicated on September 30, 1907:

President Theodore Roosevelt gave the dedication address
An estimated 50,000 people attended the ceremonies
The bodies of President McKinley and his wife Ida (who had died in 1907) were placed in their final resting place
Their two young daughters, who had died decades earlier, were also reinterred at the memorial

Lasting Impact on Canton

The assassination and subsequent memorialization permanently altered Canton:

The Memorial and surrounding parkland created a significant new public space
The city became nationally known as the final resting place of a president
Thousands of visitors began traveling to Canton to visit the memorial
The McKinley name was attached to numerous streets, schools, and institutions
Canton embraced its identity as a "presidential city"

Beyond the Monument

The assassination's impact extended beyond the creation of the monument:

The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum was later established adjacent to the memorial
The McKinley National Memorial Association evolved into continuing preservation efforts
Annual commemorative events at the memorial became Canton traditions
The assassination elevated McKinley's historical significance nationally
The location became a centerpiece of Canton's cultural landscape
Educational programs for schoolchildren focused on McKinley's life and presidency

Security Legacy

McKinley's assassination had broader national implications:

It was the third presidential assassination in just 36 years (following Lincoln and Garfield)
The assassination led to the formal establishment of presidential protection by the Secret Service
New security protocols were implemented for presidential public appearances
The event highlighted the threat of political anarchism in the early 20th century

Visiting the McKinley Sites Today

Modern visitors to Canton can experience this history through several sites:

McKinley National Memorial

The grand domed monument sitting atop Monument Hill
The final resting place of President and Mrs. McKinley
Surrounded by a 26-acre park with gardens and landscaped grounds

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

Located adjacent to the memorial
Features exhibits on McKinley's life and assassination
Includes artifacts related to the funeral and memorial construction
Presents the broader context of McKinley's presidency and legacy

First Ladies National Historic Site

Includes information on Ida McKinley and her life after the president's death
Features period rooms reflecting the McKinleys' life in Canton

The assassination of President McKinley represents a pivotal moment in Canton's history, transforming both the physical landscape and the city's identity. Through the grand memorial and associated institutions, the tragedy became permanently woven into Canton's sense of place and historical significance.

Visit Today: These historical sites related to President McKinley are open to visitors. Check their respective websites for current hours and admission information.