The granite sarcophagi are carved from a single piece of stone, weighing approximately 12 tons each.
The structure's design includes a long approach and a massive staircase meant to evoke the feeling of a mountain climb.
The monument's dome is visible from miles away due to its placement on the highest natural point in Canton.
The memorial was funded by a national subscription campaign that raised over $600,000 in the early 1900s.
The interior rotunda features an intricate floor pattern of colored marbles representing the sun's rays.
The McKinley National Memorial serves as the final resting place for the 25th U.S. President, William McKinley, and his wife, Ida Saxton McKinley. Designed by architect Harold Van Buren Magonigle, the tomb is constructed from Milford pink granite and features a distinctive domed structure elevated on a large grassy mound. Visitors ascend a flight of 108 steps to reach the sarcophagi, which are situated within a circular interior chamber. The memorial was dedicated on September 30, 1907, marking the sixth anniversary of the president's funeral. It is managed by the Stark County Historical Society and stands on the grounds of the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum. The site sits within Monument Park, which encompasses extensive landscaped lawns and mature trees.
From the bottom of the long staircase looking upward to capture the symmetry of the monument and the scale of the steps.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the memorial requires climbing over 100 outdoor steps.
Plan to visit the attached museum afterward to contextualize McKinley's presidency and assassination.
Check the local weather forecast, as the memorial is primarily an outdoor experience with significant exposure to the elements.
Do not attempt to climb the exterior stone walls or decorative railings.
The grounds are typically accessible daily, though building interior access may vary; verify holiday closures with the museum.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this is a formal burial site.
