Traveling through the rich hills of Virginia offers many opportunities for a family to stop and explore a piece of American history. Conveniently located only a few miles off of interstate 81 is one of these spots. The birthplace of the 28th president of the United States, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, offers an informative tour and a glance into the life of the 1850’s. Presently a National Historic Landmark, the home is part of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and is located in Staunton, Virginia.
Joseph and Jessie Wilson
In the spring of 1955, Reverend Joseph Wilson accepted an invitation to become the minister of the Staunton Presbyterian Church. After moving into the house with their two young girls, Joseph Wilson and his wife Jessie would welcome the birth of another child, Thomas Woodrow Wilson. The future president of the United States of America was born on December 28th, 1856 in the 4000 square foot home at 24 North Coalter Street.
The Birthplace Tour
The guided tour begins by entering the foyer on the middle floor. Walking into the spacious hallway with an open staircase streaming down, one learns this was the grand entrance in which visitors of the Wilson family would have used. This main floor consists of the parlor and formal dining room to the right. Because these rooms welcomed guests, they are decorated lavishly. Furnished by many of the Wilson family’s own belongings life of the 1850’s comes alive.
Each of the three floors of the house has four large rooms with fireplaces and central stairways. The front left room of the main floor is where Little Tommy is believed to have been born. The room behind the ‘birth room’ is the study which includes an interesting antique 1840’s map of the United States by S.A. Mitchell.
The tour then continues down the steps to the first floor. The kitchen, pantry, less formal dining area where children were allowed to eat, and the slave quarters are to be seen here. These rooms include simple furnishings and supplies, but provide an excellent glimpse at how the Wilson household was managed.
The third floor which is not part of the tour contains the family’s bedrooms. Exiting the doors on the bottom level reveals a delightful garden area. However in the 1850’s when the Wilson’s lived here, this area would have comprised of outbuildings for farm animals and plantings.
Visiting Woodrow Wilson’s Birthplace
Although Woodrow Wilson only lived in Staunton for a short while, the exquisite home shares the character, life, and values which were instilled into Woodrow Wilson from the beginning. Admission price into the home also includes a self-guided tour through the museum and garden. Since hours of operation and prices vary, they are best to be found on the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum website.
Jenny Kile - Jenny Kile enjoys the freedom to explore, question, learn, and the opportunity Suite101 gives in order to then share with her readers.
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