In the quiet town of Staunton, Virginia, in 1856, Thomas Woodrow Wilson entered
the world. The backdrop of his early life was a nation teetering on the brink of the Civil War,
an era that would ultimately shape his character and destiny, and lead him to This House. Hi
everyone Ken here, today we are exploring the homes of Woodrow Wilson. Hit that like button
to let YouTube know you appreciate historic homes, and let’s begin exploring This House!!
Wilson's childhood was marked by the roiling tides of conflict and
change. His family moved frequently, driven by his father's calling as a
Presbyterian minister. From Staunton to Augusta, Georgia, and then to Columbia,
South Carolina, young Wilson witnessed the South's turbulent transformation during
the Civil War and Reconstruction. These early experiences forged in him a deep understanding
of the complexities of human nature and what it would take to govern a nation.
Before setting his eyes on politics, His academic journey began at Davidson College, but it was at
Princeton University where Wilson's intellect truly blossomed. Graduating in 1879, he pursued
further studies at the University of Virginia School of Law. However, a bout of ill health
forced him to leave, prompting Wilson to continue his education independently. This determination
led him to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he earned a Ph.D. in history and political
science in 1886—an achievement that set him apart as the only U.S. president to hold such a degree.
Wilson's academic career was a prelude to his future influence on the nation. At Bryn Mawr
College and Wesleyan University, he honed his teaching skills, but it was his tenure
at Princeton University that defined his early career. He was named the university’s
president and made himself at home at the President’s Residence, known as Prospect House.
Prospect house was originally built in 1851 and designed by John Notman as one of the earliest
examples of Italianate Architecture in the United States. In 1878, it was donated to
the College of New Jersey, which later became Princeton University. It was here that Wilson
championed progressive reforms, transforming Princeton into a beacon of modern education.
His vision for higher learning resonated beyond academia, catching the eye of political reformers.
In 1910, Wilson's transition from academia to politics began with his election as governor
of New Jersey. His governorship was a whirlwind of progressive reforms,
tackling corruption and pushing for workers' rights, public utilities regulation,
and educational advancements. Wilson's unwavering commitment to reform earned
him national acclaim and set the stage for his presidential campaign.
The 1912 presidential election was a dramatic contest that saw Wilson
emerge victorious against incumbent William Howard Taft and former President Theodore
Roosevelt. At this point, he moved into the White House, which we recently covered,
I’ll have that video linked at the end of this one if you haven’t seen it yet.
As the 28th president of the United States, Wilson embarked on an ambitious agenda. The Revenue Act
of 1913 redefined the nation's economic landscape, introducing a federal income tax and lowering
tariffs. His visionary leadership also helped to usher in the Federal Reserve System and landmark
antitrust legislation with the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act.
Wilson's presidency was not confined to domestic achievements. The storm clouds
of World War I loomed large, and by 1917, the United States was drawn into global conflict.
Wilson's leadership during the war was pivotal, and his post-war vision was encapsulated in his
Fourteen Points, advocating for peace and the establishment of the League of Nations.
Yet, Wilson's journey was not without personal and political strife. In 1919,
a severe stroke left him incapacitated, casting a shadow over his second term.
Despite his valiant struggle, the Senate's rejection of the Treaty of Versailles and
the League of Nations marked a poignant defeat in his quest for lasting peace.
Just before he vacated office, as he was approaching his twilight years,
he purchased a townhouse in Washington, D.C. as a gift to Edith. The two moved into
the mansion in 1921 on Inauguration day, celebrating their retirement.
Originally built only a few years prior in 1915,
the mansion had been designed by renowned architect Waddy Wood. The 4 story residence
towered above the street, finished in red brick and clad with limestone accents.
As we begin exploring the house from the entrance hall,
we will see a mix of both black and white and color photos to give us the
best idea of how the house appeared while the Wilson’s called it home.
After passing through the entrance hall, we immediately face the grand staircase,
turning at the rear of the house.
The first floor was primarily for service, containing the main kitchen. Here his domestic
staff would prepare every meal, ensuring that Woodrow and Edith never had to lift a finger.
They did so in this state of the art kitchen, boasting modern amenities, including an ice box.
But that wasn’t the only thing modern about their home, it was equipped with a mechanical
room for powering an elevator which went all the way from the basement to the 4th floor.
Up on the second floor is where the couple entertained,
as we can notice how the public room are arranged from the second floor stair hall.
Arriving at the landing, and turning back,
we see a window opening not to the outside, but to another room. This is the solarium,
packed full of plants and offering views into the perfectly manicured garden.
As the room rounds out, so do its French doors,
opening towards the terrace. We can step out into the garden to gain a better
sense for the scale of this room before returning inside to continue our tour.
On the second floor we find the dining room,
with ample space for entertaining large groups attending diner parties.
The room was finished out with painted wall panels, and simple, but elegant furniture.
We’ll find that these refined characteristics continue into the library. In order to store
his collection of 8,000 books, Wilson had to have stacks built separately in the house.
The drawing room combines the aesthetic of both the dining room and library, by continuing with
painted wall panels and hardwood floors, marrying both finishes seen previously.
Tucked away and out of sight from guests is the butler’s pantry,
also referred to as the Service Kitchen.
Let’s make our way over to the second grand staircase and head up to the third floor.
Up here we will find several bedrooms,
each generously sized and containing their own bathrooms.
The fourth floor was mostly reserved for the family’s staff,
with their quarters and the laundry taking up most of the space. The Laundry room
was another incredibly modern space for the time, containing a gas fired clothes dryer.
Woodrow Wilson lived here until his death in 1924. Edith continued to live in the house
until her passing in 1961, when she left the fully furnished house to the National Trust for Historic
Place. Since then, the Woodrow Wilson House has been open to the public as a house museum.
What did you think about the Woodrow Wilson House, did you have a favorite room? Let me
know down below in the comments section. And while you’re there,
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