Buchanan's Birthplace State Park

Buchanan's Birthplace State Park is an approximately 19-acre park in Franklin County situated within a gap of Tuscarora Mountain. The grounds contain native stone structures and are crossed by Buck Run, a stream that supports native trout.

The park marks the birthplace of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President, born in a log cabin at this location in 1791. Decades later, his niece Harriet Lane Johnston, who served as First Lady during his presidency, established this memorial in the early 1900s.

The site is named after the president whose origins it commemorates, reflecting how early Americans honored places of historical importance. The location itself reveals the modest living conditions typical of settlers during that era.

The park offers two picnic pavilions, restrooms, and drinking water facilities available throughout the year. The stream system supports native trout, providing opportunities for nature observation and photography during your visit.

A stone pyramid monument constructed from local materials stands at the exact spot where the original log cabin once stood. This structure was built using an innovative temporary railroad system that was installed specifically for the construction project.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1911

Website: http://dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/buchanansbirthplace.aspx

GPS coordinates: 39.87080,-77.95390

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43