Tuesday, October 6, 2015

James Buchanan's Wheatland in Lancaster Pennsylvania

James Buchanan's former home, Wheatland, was the third of five President's houses we would visit on this road trip.

We arrived at the Lancaster Historical Society around 10.  The kind staff there immediately sold us a ticket for a tour about to start.

I wasn't exactly sure how this house tour would work, as I heard that you had to get your tickets at the visitor center, and then go to the house.  I was thinking that Wheatland was several blocks away.  It is literally right next door!  DOH!

Our guide was informative and animated.  She talked a lot about the norms and etiquette of the time.  She talked about how young girls at social evens might send signals to the boys using their fans!

This was a very Civil War directed trip, and the Civil War was brought up a lot at this visit.

We were told that the Confederates had eyes on getting to the former President at Wheatland, and Union officers were stationed here.

AND, a very strange Civil War AND Kentucky connection occurs through Buchanan!  His Vice President, John C. Breckinridge would become the Confederate Secretary of War!

This was a great home tour, in a great town, and I hope we make it back soon!










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