President William McKinley National Memorial

President William McKinley National Memorial is a circular domed mausoleum built from pink granite that rises about 100 feet (30 meters) above ground, reached by more than 100 stone steps. Inside the memorial chamber are two polished sarcophagi of dark-green granite where the president and First Lady are entombed.

McKinley served as president from 1897 until his assassination in 1901 and selected this location for his memorial during his lifetime. After his death, the grand structure was built to honor his legacy and serve as his final resting place.

The memorial reflects an era when the Republican Party held strong influence in America, honoring McKinley as a significant political leader of his time. The site shows how important it was to commemorate presidents with grand structures that spoke to their role in the nation.

The memorial is located in a cemetery and is relatively easy to reach, though the numerous steps to the entrance require some climbing. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore both the exterior details and the interior chamber at your own pace.

Nine different states contributed building materials to the structure, making it a project of national cooperation and shared responsibility. A bronze statue inside captures McKinley delivering his final speech in Buffalo, a poignant reminder of how his presidency ended suddenly.