Visit the Lancaster home of President James Buchanan
On a beautiful tree-lined property just outside the Lancaster city limits sits a stately, Federal-style house that was home to President James Buchanan. Nearly two centuries old, Wheatland, as the estate is called, is open to visitors to learn about the life and times of the 15th president of the United States. Today, it's owned and maintained by LancasterHistory and serves as a powerful means for teaching about one of Pennsylvania's most notable residents in American history.
Wheatland was built in 1828 for William Jenkins, a lawyer and bank president, on 156.5 acres of land. Buchanan purchased the property in 1848, while he served as Secretary of State, for a mere $6,750. The 17-room brick mansion remains much the same today as it did when President Buchanan owned it, with no major architectural changes made to the home over the years, except for the addition of modern lighting and heating.
Buchanan never married and devoted his life to his career in law and politics. While his presidency is often criticized, he did have a long career in public service. Following a brief stint in the military, he served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He also served as Minister to Russia and Secretary of State under President James Polk, and Minister to the United Kingdom under President Franklin Pierce – all before winning the presidential election in 1856.
After his death in 1868, Wheatland was inherited by his niece, Harriet Lane, who had served as Buchanan’s de facto First Lady while he was president and lived with the life-long bachelor after he left office. Following her death, the home passed hands a few more times before ultimately being purchased in the mid-1930s by the Junior League of Lancaster, with the intention of preserving Wheatland for future generations.
Tours of the mansion last about an hour and lead visitors through the first and second floors of the stately home. Along the way, guides in period costumes tell visitors about the home, its artifacts and furnishings, and Buchanan’s life and career. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, and tickets can be purchased online to guarantee the preferred day and time of your visit.
You don't need to be a history buff to appreciate the quiet charm and nostalgia that Wheatland continues to hold in the 150 years since President Buchanan lived in his beloved home. It's truly an American treasure right in our backyard.
