William McKinley Monument
The William McKinley Monument stands as Canton's most recognizable landmark and serves as the final resting place of America's 25th President. This magnificent memorial represents not only the legacy of President McKinley but also Canton's enduring connection to American presidential history.
A President's Final Journey Home
When President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo, New York, on September 14, 1901, his body was brought back to his beloved hometown of Canton for burial. The simple grave marker that initially marked his resting place would soon be replaced by one of America's most impressive presidential memorials.
Design and Construction
The McKinley Monument was designed by Harold Van Buren Magonigle, a prominent architect known for his memorial designs. The memorial consists of a magnificent domed structure built of pink granite from Massachusetts, rising 96 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Key Features
The Dome Structure
- Built with pink granite from Milford, Massachusetts
- Features a distinctive dome that can be seen from miles away
- Contains beautiful interior murals depicting scenes from McKinley's life
The Approach
- Grand stairway leading to the memorial entrance
- Landscaped grounds designed for reflection and remembrance
- Panoramic views of Canton and the surrounding Stark County countryside
Interior Elements
- Bronze sarcophagi containing the remains of President and Mrs. McKinley
- Stained glass windows depicting historical scenes
- Memorial chambers with exhibits about McKinley's life and presidency
Dedication and Ceremony
The monument was dedicated on September 30, 1907, in a ceremony attended by President Theodore Roosevelt and thousands of visitors from across the nation. The dedication marked the completion of a six-year effort to create a fitting memorial to the fallen president.
McKinley's Legacy in Canton
President McKinley's connection to Canton ran deep throughout his life:
Early Years
- Moved to Canton in 1867 to practice law
- Met and married Ida Saxton, daughter of a prominent Canton family
- Built a successful legal practice serving the local community
Political Career
- Served as Stark County Prosecutor
- Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
- Conducted his famous "Front Porch Campaign" for president from his Canton home
Presidential Service
- Led the nation during the Spanish-American War
- Oversaw a period of economic prosperity
- Championed American industrial expansion
Visiting the Monument Today
The McKinley Monument remains one of Ohio's most visited presidential sites. Visitors can:
- Tour the memorial interior and view the bronze sarcophagi
- Explore the museum exhibits about McKinley's life
- Walk the grounds and enjoy panoramic views of Canton
- Visit the adjacent McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
- Participate in special programs and commemorative events
Memorial Facts and Figures
Construction Details
- Total cost: $586,000 (equivalent to about $17 million today)
- Height: 96 feet to the top of the dome
- Materials: Pink granite and bronze
- Architect: Harold Van Buren Magonigle
Visitor Information
- Open year-round for exterior viewing
- Interior tours available through the McKinley Presidential Library
- Special programs offered on presidential holidays
- Accessible parking and pathways available
A Lasting Legacy
The McKinley Monument serves as more than just a memorial to a fallen president—it represents Canton's proud place in American history. As the final resting place of Ohio's third president, the monument continues to draw visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects and learn about this pivotal period in American history.
The monument's enduring presence on Canton's skyline serves as a daily reminder of the city's connection to presidential history and its role in shaping the American story. For residents and visitors alike, it stands as a symbol of the values and aspirations that President McKinley represented throughout his life of public service.
