Birth Kitchen of Andrew Johnson
Raleigh, North Carolina
The parents of Andrew Johnson, future President of the United States, lived and worked in the detached kitchen of a roadside tavern called Casso's Inn. That's where Andrew was born, in an upstairs loft, on December 29, 1808. The building, being useful and fairly portable, was moved around town; it even served as a flophouse for hobos during the Great Depression. It was only after 150 years of neglect that the birthplace was recognized as a worthy presidential attraction, restored, and moved to Mordecai Historic Park, a kind of orphanage for Raleigh's old buildings. It resembles a tiny home or large shed; various plaques outside call attention to its importance.