Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

Not every United States president has his own library, but we have made it one of our goals to visit the Presidential Libraries that do exist when we are within striking distance of one. Such was the case when we were staying in Spout Spring, Virginia this year and discovered that Woodrow Wilson's library was only 80 miles away in Staunton. Although that was somewhat of a drive, it allowed us another trek through the Blue Ridge Parkway, so we really didn't mind at all. As always when visiting a Presidential Library, here I was able to deepen my knowledge of American history, and learn more about the man himself, both in his role as president, and as a human being. As the 28th President, Wilson was responsible for many social and economic reforms including the passage of the Federal Reserve Act, the Child Labor Reform Act, and legislation that supported unions to ensure fair treatment of working Americans. The 19th Amendment was ratified during his second term, guaranteeing all women the right to vote.  Wilson is best remembered for his leadership during World War I, and his attempt to establish the League of Nations. At the Paris Peace Conference, Wilson proposed “Fourteen Points” as the basis for the peace treaty. The final Treaty of Versailles included many of Wilson’s ideas, but the Treaty was voted down by Congress, and the United States never joined the League of Nations. While touring the country in 1919 to boost public support for the League, Wilson fell ill from exhaustion and suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. After leaving office in 1921, Wilson and his wife moved to a private residence in northwest Washington, D.C. He died there at the age of 67 on 3 February 1924, and is buried in the Washington National Cathedral.