A Tour with President McKinley
Jan 02, 2026
Follow the trail of William McKinley, 25th President of the United States, to historic sites and points of interest throughout downtown and Canton.
Take a self-guided tour around downtown and Canton to see places and sites once frequented by the former President of the United States, William McKinley.
Saxton House
331 Market Avenue South
The architectural restoration of the family home of Ida Saxton McKinley, wife of President McKinley, was completed in 2003. The Saxton House is part of the First Ladies National Library & Museum and is operated in partnership with the National Park Service. Open for guided tours.
McKinley Window at The Salvation Army
420 Market Avenue South
The Salvation Army is home to the "McKinley Window", a stained glass representation of President McKinley flanked by the United States flag and the Salvation Army flag. It is in the lobby of the Salvation Army Corps Community Center, an organization committed to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the people of Stark County since 1886.
The Repository
500 Market Avenue South
John Saxton was the founder of The Repository and father of First Lady Ida Saxton. See historic items on view in the lobby.
Stark County Courthouse
115 Central Plaza North
The "McKinley Courtroom" inside the courthouse features the portrait of former prosecuting attorney William McKinley, who appeared in many cases inside the courthouse.
Crossroads United Methodist Church
120 Cleveland Avenue SW
The McKinley Windows in the sanctuary were a gift of the president's widow, Ida Saxton McKinley, in 1907. Biblical characters represent four phases of McKinley's life: Joshua, Civil War; Moses, law practice; John the Beloved Disciple, his humanitarian interest; and Cornelius the Centurion, his political life. The pew in which he and Ida sat for worship has needlepoint cushions depicting his life. The church has a display of McKinley artifacts.
Christ Presbyterian Church
530 Tuscarawas Street West
William McKinley and Ida Saxton were married in this church on January 25, 1871. The wedding reception was held in Ida's Canton home. At the time of the marriage, Ida was working as a cashier in her father's bank.
St. Peter Church
726 Cleveland Avenue NW
In 1996 St. Peter Church dedicated a plaque marking the location of William and Ida McKinley's home during the front Porch Campaign of 1896. The house no longer stands, but was located near this site.
Werts Receiving Vault
1919 7th Street NW
The Werts Receiving Vault was the temporary resting place for President William McKinley from September 1901 until his permanent tomb at the McKinley National Memorial was completed in 1907. The Vault is located in the southern part of West Lawn Cemetery, west of the McKinley National Memorial. Enter the cemetery using the 7th Street gates (open 8 a.m. to dusk), go to the top of the hill west of the gates, and turn left. Follow the drive south to the vault.
McKinley National Memorial
800 McKinley Monument Drive NW
The McKinley National Memorial is the final resting place of President William McKinley, his wife, and their two young daughters. Construction of the Memorial began in 1905 and it was dedicated in 1907. One hundred eight steps lead up to the bronze entrance doors, which were the larges ever cast at that time. The Memorial is owned and operated by the Stark County Historical Society as is the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum.
McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
800 McKinley Monument Drive NW
View the McKinley Gallery as well as several displays capturing the history of Canton in McKinley's era, as well as exhibits dedicated to science and nature.
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National First Ladies Library & Museum
205 Market Ave. S Canton, Ohio 44702 (330) 452-0876 Website