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Magical porch as it looked in 1901.
Magical porch as it looked in 1901.

Site of McKinley's Magical Front Porch

Field review by the editors.

Canton, Ohio

Thanks to the backing of powerful men, William McKinley won the presidency in 1896 and 1900 without ever having to leave his front porch. In 1896 he gave prepared speeches from the porch to an estimated 750,000 people who would travel by train to Canton, then parade up the street to McKinley's house. In 1900 he didn't even do that; he made one front porch speech announcing his candidacy, then sat back and cruised to a comfortable victory.

In the Depression of the 1930s the house and porch were torn down and their lumber was used to build benches and park shelters.

Historical marker.

A library was eventually built on the site, and today a historical marker stands in front of it, all that remains to mark the magical spot.

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Site of McKinley's Magical Front Porch

Address:
715 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH
Directions:
A historical marker stands on the spot. In front of the entrance to the Stark County Library, which is on the west side of Market Ave. N. between 9th St. NE and 6th St. NE.
Admission:
Free
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Nearby Offbeat Places

Losing Your Head Over TVLosing Your Head Over TV, Canton, OH - < 1 mi.
Sea Monster BuildingSea Monster Building, Canton, OH - < 1 mi.
Blocky McKinley StatueBlocky McKinley Statue, Canton, OH - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Stan Hywet Hall, Akron, OH - 24 mi.

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