US20 in Ohio: The Garfield Monument (Cleveland)

On the eastern edge of the city of Cleveland on US Route 20 (Euclid Avenue) in Lakeview Cemetery sits the impressive monument to James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. The monument sits high on a hill - the highest location in the cemetery - allowing for a wonderful wide view of the downtown Cleveland skyline.

The Garfield Monument is just under 25 miles west of Garfield’s home, Lawnfield, also located on US Route 20 in Mentor Ohio and which is a National Historic site.

Hearing about the wonderful view of the city skyline seen from the upper level of the monument, I just had to check it out for myself. Not only is the view one of the best of the city, but the monument itself was impressive. Stained glass lights the rotunda, with a high dome that reflects warm, golden tones. A statue of Garfield stands in the center, with the rotunda dome rising high above.

Circular stairways lead to the second level, where you can peer down onto the statue, or better yet, step outside to a large observation area where the city view will amaze. The Peter B. Lewis building, designed by Frank Gehry, is also very visible, looking like a mass of twirling silvery ribbon.

Here are several photos that I took while visiting the monument a few weeks ago. If you are ever travelling through Cleveland – whether on US 20 or not – a visit to the Garfield Monument will be worth your while. (Don’t forget to head east and stop at Lawnfield.)















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