Presidential Resources Online

William McKinley 1897 - 1901

William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio in 1843. He grew up in a very rural environment, and received little formal education. As a young man during the Civil War he served as a private in the Union Army, and after the war he studied law and established a private practice. In 1877 he was elected to the House of Representatives as a Republican, and served in that body for 14 years, eventually becoming a member of the congressional leadership. In 1891 he retired from Congress, and was elected governor of Ohio, where he served two terms before being elected President. As President, McKinley oversaw the 3 month Spanish American war, which was fought primarily on the island of Cuba and ended in U.S. victory. Domestically, McKinley sought to limit the influence of the powerful industrial trusts. In September, 1901, McKinley was shot by a mentally ill man while attending a worlds fair in Buffalo. He died a few days later.

Online William McKinley Resources:

Annie Oakley Letter to William McKinley - This is an online copy of a letter from Annie Oakley to William McKinley offering her assistance in the Spanish - American War.

The Assassination of William McKinley - This site contains a number of contemporary articles relating to the McKinley's assassination.

The Era of William McKinley - From Ohio State University, this website contains extensive information on the life and career of William McKinley as well as political cartoons and other information.

Genealogy Information for William McKinley - Contains McKinley Genealogical information.

The Last Days of a President - From the Library of Congress, this site contains footage of a number of films taken during the McKinley Administration. These films can be viewed online from this website.

Last Speech of William McKinley - Text of a speech given by McKinley the day before he was assassinated.

McKinley Assassination Historical Site - Contains information on McKinley's assassination.

The McKinley Museum - This is the website of the William McKinley museum, which is located in Niles, Ohio and is part of the William McKinley Birthplace Memorial. The museum contains a large amount of McKinley information and links.

McKinley Museum and National Memorial - Located in Canton, Ohio, this website contains information on the museum.

McKinley Web Finder - An online index of McKinley-related websites.

National McKinley Birthplace Memorial - Website of the public memorial complex dedicated to McKinley which is located in Niles, Ohio.

TPT Home

Return to Presidential Resources