Grover Cleveland Birthplace Historic Site
Grover Cleveland Birthplace Historic Site is in Caldwell, New Jersey, near New York City. The site protects the home where President Grover Cleveland was born.
The house was known as the “Manse” and was the home of the Minister of the local Presbyterian Church. The Cleveland family lived here from 1834 to 1841, when the would-be president’s father, Richard, was the Reverend. Stephen Grover Cleveland was born in the home on March 18th, 1837. As he would eventually become known, Grover was the fifth of nine children and lived in the home for the first four years of his life.
Today, the modest home looks much like when Cleveland was born. Most first-floor rooms portray the house as it was in 1837. Many artifacts from the Cleveland Family and the president’s early years are on display, including his cradle and family portraits.
Visiting the Grover Cleveland State Historic Site
My wife and I visited the historic site in mid-afternoon on a spring day. The site’s hours were a bit restrictive, so it’s wise to call or email in advance to book a tour of the home. Another couple who happened to be there joined us on the tour.
Our tour guide was super enthusiastic and clearly enjoyed volunteering at the site. When we walked into the house, it was as advertised, furnished with original and period pieces. I was disappointed to learn you were only allowed to take photos in one room, but oh well.
The tour was supposed to last about a half hour, but the guide went long as we went through the kitchen, rear parlor, and the parent’s bedroom. In each room, our guide shared stories about Grover Cleveland’s home life when he was young. As you may expect, the son of a preacher was raised in a strict household with principles rooted in religion and being frugal.
“Sometimes I wake at night in the White House and rub my eyes and wonder if it is not all a dream.” – President Grover Cleveland
Cleveland’s rapid rise in politics
The last two rooms are the presidential galleries. These chronicle Cleveland’s rapid rise in politics with original artifacts. Grover Cleveland took office as the Mayor of Buffalo, New York, on January 2, 1882. And rapid it was. He would be elected 22nd President of the United States in less than three years. Cleveland would become the first Democrat elected President since James Buchanan, the president before Lincoln. Cleveland rose so fast because he was viewed as someone who fought corruption and spoils the system that had long been entrenched in politics.
After the tour, I bought a magnet featuring a photo of Grover Cleveland. I knew then, and it’s been proven several times since guests often ask, “Who is this guy?” I respond with some snappy facts that I learned on the tour.
Such as Grover Cleveland was the first sitting president to marry in the White House. His wife Cleveland was 49 when he wed 21-year-old Frances Folsom. At 21, she was the youngest and remains the youngest ever first lady.
Grover Cleveland Facts
Cleveland was a big fellow. He weighed 275, second only to President William Howard Taft. He was not the healthiest, thirsty for beer and had a love of cigars.
Cleveland is the only president born in New Jersey.
He won his first presidential election in 1884 by 1,200 votes.
In 1888, he won the popular vote again but lost the electoral college to Republican rival Benjamin Harrison.
In 1892, he was elected the 24th President of the United States, the only one to serve nonconsecutive terms.
These are just a few fascinating facts I learned about President Grover Cleveland while visiting his New Jersey historic site. When I got there, I knew little to nothing about Cleveland, but as I left, I certainly was happy with an exciting stop.
