Wheatland (Lancaster)
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Wheatland is the historic estate of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States.
The estate
Wheatland is a Federal mansion house, built in 1828 by lawyer William Jenkins, who named it. James Buchanan purchased Wheatland - three tracts totallying 22.45 acres, including the mansion and several outbuildings in December 1948 from William Morris Meredith, a Philadelphia lawyer.Harriet Lane Johnston, the president's niece, inherited the estate when Buchanan died at Wheatland on June 1, 1868. She resided in Baltimore, Maryland and used Wheatland as a summer retreat. In 1884, the estate was purchased by George B. Willson, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania businessmen. Willson made relatively few alterations to the building, although he did install electricity and plumbing, and in 1893, he sold off 13 of the original 22 acres to Henry Williamson. When Willson's died in 1929, Wheatland was inherited by Mary Willson Rettew, a cousin, who died in 1934. The James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland was incorporated on August 11, 1935, and the property was purchased from the Rettew estate on February 27, 1936.
Wheatland sits next to the Lancaster County Historical Society in a residential neighborhood just outside the Lancaster city limits. Currently, the mansion, carriage house, privy, and smokehouse/icehouse sit on the 4.25 acres owned by The James Buchanan Foundation. The mansion, privy, and smokehouse/icehouse date from 1828, when the mansion was built. The carriage house is thought to have been built by George Willson.
The buildings have been restored to show life during the years of Buchanan’s occupancy (1848-1868). The estate is a national historic landmark, supported by admission fees and memberships.
Wheatland historically
Buchanan developed a deep affection for Wheatland, enjoying the comforts and tranquility of home amid the troubles, perplexities, and difficulties of public life.
Buchanan was perhaps the most capable man ever to serve as US President, with extensive experience in all branches of government. When he retired to Wheatland, many famous leaders visited the estate to seek his advice and support. Buchanan's stature and prestige was such that he even successfully ran his 1856 national campaign from his own residence - Wheatland - instead of doing extensive travelling.
Once elected president, he fought valiantly to preserve the union, and succeeded until a new president, Abraham Lincoln, was elected from a newly-formed party of radicals, calling themselves Republicans. The southern states promptly seceded, and the center shifted, leaving Buchanan no longer a centrist, but instead vilified by the party in power. His accomplishments were so belittled that today is largely remembered not as the skillful diplomat and great statesman, but as a trivia question: who was the only president from Pennsylvania, and the only single president? Many people believe Buchanan to have been [[homosexual], but there is no evidence that he was the only homosexual president.
Wheatland today
Visitors to Wheatland may see rare political memorabilia, as well as personal artifacts belonging to Buchanan and other members of his family.Trained docents show an introductory film to visitors, and then guide them through both public and private rooms of the Federal style mansion.
The home is open April through October, 10 AM to 4 PM daily and noon to 4 PM on Sunday, with guided tours every half hour. The facility is also open limited hours during December.
Admission: Adults, $7; Seniors, 65+, $6; Students 12-21, $5; Children 6-11, $2; under 6 free.
External links
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