Fremont in Sandusky County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Spiegel Grove

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2012

1. Spiegel Grove Marker

Inscription. The twenty-five acre estate Spiegel Grove was the home of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, the 19th president of the United States. Spiegle Grove received its name from the German word "spiegel," meaning mirror, describing pools that collect beneath the trees after a rainstorm. Hayes's uncle, Sardis Birchard, a Fremont merchant, built the home on this site in 1863. The Hayeses moved to Spiegel Grove after Hayes's second term as Ohio governor ended in 1873. They inherited the estate in 1874. The family left Fremont after Hayes's election as Ohio governor in 1874, and U.S. president in 1875. They returned to Spiegel Grove in 1881. The Hayeses expanded the home in 1880 and 1889. Lucy and Rutherford Hayes died at Spiegel Grove in 1889 and 1893 respectively. They were reburied at Spiegel Grove in 1915. Their children donated the property to the state of Ohio in 1909 in order to establish the nation's first presidential library.

Erected 2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, Pennies for Presidents, The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 8-72.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #19 Rutherford B. Hayes

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 41° 20.517′ N, 83° 7.609′ W. Marker is in Fremont, Ohio, in Sandusky County. Marker is at the intersection of Hayes Avenue and Buckland Avenue on Hayes Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fremont OH 43420, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Croghan Gateway (within shouting distance of this marker); Spiegel Grove State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); On This Spot In 1790 (within shouting distance of this marker); Ralph Billow (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rutherford B. Hayes (about 500 feet away); American Elm (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Spiegel Grove (about 600 feet away); Memorial Gateway (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fremont.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 5, 2015

2. Spiegel Grove Marker

Side view of Spiegel Grove image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 15, 2012

3. Side view of Spiegel Grove

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 27, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on August 5, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on September 27, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.