It was in the family homestead in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, that a vacationing Vice President Calvin Calvin Coolidge received an urgent message from Washington.

Moments later, by the light of a kerosene lamp, Coolidge took the oath of office from his father, the local notary public, following the untimely death of President Warren Harding.

Years later, Coolidge wrote, "It seemed a simple and natural thing to do at the time, but I can now realize something of the dramatic force of the event."

The homestead remains exactly as it was the night Coolidge took office. In fact, much of the village of Plymouth Notch is unchanged since the early 20th century. The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is considered one of the best preserved Presidential sites in the nation.

In addition to the homestead, visitors may tour the Plymouth Cheese Factory - established by the President's father - and sample the granular curd cheese produced there.

Other buildings open to the public include the Cilley General Store, the Post Office, the Wilder Restaurant (serving lunch), the church, several barns displaying farming tools of the era, the dance hall that served as the Summer White House, and the home where the future President was born.

More about the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site

NEW EXHIBIT
The Lake Champlain Bridge: Gateway to Vermont
This exhibit focuses on the most dramatic vehicular gateway to Vermont, the great bridge in Chimney Point’s dooryard, its construction in 1929, and historic and engineering significance. The exhibit includes children’s activities and bridge photos.