On a prominent hilltop overlooking the city of Cincinnati stands the large Greek revival-style house where William Howard Taft was born in 1857. The house, now the William Howard Taft National Historic Site, is a reminder of an elegant era when Mount Auburn was known as the city's "Fifth Avenue," and it is restored to look as it did when the twenty-seventh President and tenth Chief Justice lived here as a child and young adult.
![]() ©Library of Congress William Howard Taft's childhood home has been restored to look just as it did in 1857. |
Taft lived in the home continuously until he went to Yale College in 1874. After college, his career skyrocketed. When he became President in 1909, it was only the second time he had been elected to office. As President, Taft introduced the income tax and the federal budget, and he inaugurated the presidential tradition of throwing out the first baseball of the season.
![]() ©Library of Congres William Howard Taft was the only man to serve the United States as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. |
In addition, the site has exhibits detailing the life and career of the only man to serve the nation as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site Information
Address: 2038 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH
Phone: 513/684-3262
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Admission: Free
Learn more about these other national historic sites:
- National Monuments: Learn more about America's national monuments.
- National Memorials: Discover national memorials in the U.S.
- National Historic Sites: Read about American national historic sites.
- Ohio State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in Ohio as well as other recreational activities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eric Peterson is a Denver-based freelance writer who has contributed to numerous guidebooks about the Western United States.