Picture this a grand Federal-style mansion nestled amidst rolling hills. This is Wheatland the former home of James Buchanan the 15th President of the United States. Built in 1828 by William Jenkins a lawyer and bank president Wheatland wasn’t always a presidential residence. It began as a mansion and several outbuildings on 156.5 acres. The main house showcased the symmetry and Greek Revival architecture popular at the time. The mansion’s layout is intriguing a center section with two wings. Inside two main floors an attic and a basement originally housed the kitchen and wine cellar. Two surviving outbuildings from 1828 stand as silent witnesses a privy with uniquely varying seat heights and a combined smokehouse and icehouse.
In 1848 President-elect Buchanan purchased Wheatland. He lived there except for his time as Secretary of State and his presidency. It was here at Wheatland that he conducted his “front porch campaign” for the presidency winning all the Southern states. Buchanan resided at Wheatland until his death in 1868. His niece Harriet Lane Johnston inherited the property using it as a summer home. After her death Wheatland changed hands several times.
The Junior League of Lancaster recognizing Wheatland’s historical significance raised over $50000 to buy the estate in 1934. They established the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. The mansion opened to the public in 1936. In 2009 the foundation merged with the Lancaster County Historical Society forming LancasterHistory. Today Wheatland stands as a National Historic Landmark a testament to its rich history and the life of its most famous resident. You can still visit Wheatland and explore its rooms and outbuildings. Imagine walking the same halls as President Buchanan and his “little family” his niece Harriet Lane his nephew James Buchanan “Buck” Henry and his housekeeper Esther “Miss Hetty” Parker. Each played a significant role in the story of Wheatland a story waiting to be rediscovered by you.