America has had 43 men hold the office of President of the United States, and many are well known by everyone from school children to senior citizens. However, as time passes, a few presidents have all but been forgotten. Let's look at America's three most forgotten presidents and the historic sites dedicated to their memory...
Quick, recite the names of ten men who have held the office of President of the United States. Chances are, if 100 people were asked this question, most of the answers would be the same. In addition to our current and most recent presidents, several familiar presidents would make the list. Undoubtedly, you would hear names like Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and Kennedy.
But what about a few others like Fillmore, Arthur, and Harding? These are a few of America's presidents who are all but forgotten, except by scholars and presidential historians. And yet, each of these men made important contributions to the United States, and the legacies of each can be visited today at their respective historic sites.
Millard Fillmore: 13th President
America's 13th president, Millard Fillmore, ascended to office when Zachary Taylor died after a brief illness just 16 months into his term. Fillmore held office during a tumultuous time, as the Civil War was less than ten years away and political and social divisions were deepening.
During the Fillmore administration, California was added as a state and the first official White House library was established. Today, you can visit President Fillmore's home in the quaint shopping town of East Aurora, New York, just outside of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Chester Arthur: 21st President
Much like Fillmore, Chester Arthur ascended to the presidency due to the death of his predecessor. When James Garfield was felled by an assassin and died six months into his term, Arthur assumed the office.
President Arthur is credited with modernizing the U.S. Navy and passing many legislative acts designed to limit patronage hiring in government. He was also instrumental in a remodeling effort of the White House.
Visitors can see a replica of his birthplace in upstate Vermont, not far from the Canadian border.
Warren G. Harding: 29th President
Depending on which historian you ask, Harding was either America's worst president or unfairly maligned by history. We are not here to judge either way, but Harding also served an abbreviated term. He took office in 1921 and passed away in 1923.
His administration is probably best remembered for several scandals, but new biographies have come out that paint Harding in a more favorable light. Few people know that President Harding was one of the first outspoken proponents of civil rights in America.
Today, you can see the home where Harding conducted his front porch presidential campaign. It is located in Marion, Ohio, about 45 minutes north of Columbus. The home is restored with many original furnishings and Harding mementos and is open for tours during the summer months.
Summary
While several of America's presidents have all but faded into obscurity, they should be remembered for holding the nations highest office. You can trace the lives and careers of these and other presidents at numerous historic sites located across the country.
Are you interested in exploring American presidents historic sites? These historical locations chronicle the lives and careers of the men who have held America's highest political office. For more information, visit our travelogue website dedicated to the discovery and appreciation of U.S. presidential historic sites. You'll find us at: http://www.presidentialtravelusa.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman |  |
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