Growing into Public Service:
William Howard Taft's Boyhood Home

(National Park Service) High atop one of Cincinnati's most prominent hilltops stands the large yellow house where William Howard Taft was born and grew up. Located in the once-affluent suburb of Mount Auburn, the two-story Greek Revival house is a reminder of the elegant era when those of means could escape the dirt, heat, and crowded conditions of the lower city. Although attractive and comfortable, the house was quite modest compared to the many splendid country villas found along the slope of Mount Auburn and on the summit. During the mid-19th century, Mount Auburn was known as the city's "Fifth Avenue." Among the many examples of architecture were elaborate Second Empire homes with their two distinctive sloped roofs, rambling Italianate villas belonging to some of Mount Auburn's wealthiest residents, and Georgian Revival houses reminiscent of the grandeur of the southern states. Walking through the neighborhood, one can imagine the sounds of horse-drawn carriages making their way up the steep hill to return well-to-do Mount Auburn residents to their homes. Now nestled among modern service buildings and other mansions that have been preserved, the Taft House reminds us of the boyhood and upbringing of a man whose career was dedicated to his country.

TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Lesson Getting Started: Inquiry Question Setting the Stage: Historical Context Locating the Site: Maps 1. Downtown Cincinnati and Suburbs, 1871 2. Historic Auburn Avenue Neighborhood Determining the Facts: Readings 1. Will Taft Grows Up 2. The Taft Household 3. High School Admission Test 4. President and Chief Justice 5. Brothers, Sister, Sons, and Daughter Visual Evidence: Images 1. The Taft house, 1868 2. The Taft boys 3. Taft and his high school graduating class 4. William Howard Taft National Historic Site Putting It All Together: Activities 1. Leadership Characteristics 2. Practicing Leadership Skills Supplementary Resources

RELATED INFORMATION How to Use a TwHP Lesson Lessons on Related Topics TwHP Home National Register Home About the National Register How the National Register Helps Teachers Contact TwHP William Howard Taft NHS This lesson is based on the William Howard Taft National Historic Site, one of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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