James Buchanan Birthplace State Park: Pennsylvania’s President

The 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan, was born in rural Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 1791. Today, James Buchanan Birthplace State Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature while commemorating his legacy.

A Historic Tribute at James Buchanan Birthplace

The park preserves the birthplace of James Buchanan, who served as president from 1857 to 1861.

Cove Gap, where the park is located, is quiet and remote today. But in 1791, when James Buchanan was born, it was on the western edge of the American frontier. Although the surrounding Allegheny Mountains provided a formidable barrier to those seeking a way to the west, Cove Gap cut through two of the three parallel mountains, making the westward journey a little easier. Travelers following this route west passed through the gap and by the last store for many miles.

James Buchanan’s father bought the Trading Post at Cove Gap in 1789. He renamed it Stony Batter after the Buchanan ancestral home in Northern Ireland.

The Buchanans enjoyed living on the edge of the wilderness. Large-pack trains of up to 15 horses would make daily stops there on their way into the frontier or east towards Baltimore. Coming from the west, they would often be loaded down with whiskey and the furs of wolves, bears, mountain lions, and beavers. Freight wagons from the east would be filled with farm tools, cloth, salt, and other necessities for frontier life.

These were exciting times for the young boy that would be president. The unbroken forest lay at his doorstep, providing seemingly endless opportunities for adventure. It’s said that his mother, Elizabeth, tied a bell on him to prevent losing him in the brush and rock of Tuscarora Mountain.

When James was six years old, he moved from the deep woods to civilization near Mercersburg, where his father owned a store.

Although young when he left Stony Batter, Buchanan’s first home left a lasting impression. In his later years, Buchanan wrote, “It is a rugged but romantic spot, and the mountain and mountain stream under the scenery captivating. I have warm attachments for it…”

James Buchanan's Birthplace State Park in central Pennsylvania.

Visiting the James Buchanan Birthplace State Park

My wife and I visited the park on a cool spring morning. To my surprise, when we pulled up, two other cars in the small parking lot were leaving. I did not expect to see other people early on a weekday morning.

Getting out, we took a short walk to the centerpiece of the park, a pyramid-shaped granite memorial honoring Buchanan. An inscription reads: “THIS MONUMENT MARKS THE BIRTH PLACE OF JAMES BUCHANAN, FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. BORN 23 APRIL 1791 DIED 1 JUNE 1868”

The park was made possible through a donation from Harriet Rebecca Lane, James Buchanan’s niece, who served as First Lady during his Administration. Buchanan never married. Lane left $110,000 in her will to create two President James Buchanan memorials—one at Stony Batter, the other in Washington DC. On March 22, 1911, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania accepted the land and monument, making it the first gift of land to the state park system. After many delays, Congress finally approved the D.C. memorial in 1918, just under the 15-year time limit given in her will.

Buchanan Birth Cabin

The original cabin where James Buchanan was born is no longer there. You can still see it, however. It is located on the grounds of the Mercersburg Academy. We went there afterwards.

We spent about 30 minutes at the site. Being a native Pennsylvanian and presidential history enthusiast, I immensely enjoyed our visit despite Buchanan’s often divisive appeal.

While his presidency remains controversial due to his failure to prevent the Civil War, Buchanan was a lifelong public servant. His career spanned nearly 50 years.

1814-1817: Two terms as a PA Assemblyman
1821-1831: Five terms as a U.S. Representative
1832-1833: Foreign minister to Russia under President Andrew Jackson
1834-1845: Secretary of State under President James Polk
1853-1856: Foreign Minister to Great Britain under President Franklin Pierce
1857-1861: 15th President of the United States of America

Today, the site is a tribute to his early life and the humble beginnings that shaped him.

Getting There & Best Time to Visit

James Buchanan Birthplace State Park is easily accessible from U.S. Route 30 and is about 30 minutes from Chambersburg, PA. Since it’s a relatively small and lesser-known park, it’s rarely crowded, making it an ideal spot for a quiet visit. The best times to visit are spring through fall; when the weather is pleasant, the fall foliage only enhances the scenic beauty.