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William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home: A Glimpse into a Political Life

Step back in time at the Salem, Illinois, home where William Jennings Bryan's political journey began. A preserved look at his life and legacy.

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Visit the preserved Salem, Illinois home where William Jennings Bryan, three-time presidential nominee and influential orator, spent his formative years. The museum showcases his life, politics, and the turn-of-the-century era, offering a personal connection to a significant figure in American history.

A brief summary to William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home

  • 412 S Broadway Ave, Salem, Illinois, 62881, US

Local tips

  • Check with Salem City Hall for tour availability, as the museum is open by appointment only.
  • Consider exploring Bryan Memorial Park and the Bryan Park Nature Trail, located a short distance from the home.
  • Take a stroll through the surrounding area to appreciate the quaint streets and landscapes of Salem.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home is located at 412 S Broadway Ave in Salem, IL. If you are already in downtown Salem, the home is easily accessible on foot. From the Marion County Courthouse, walk south on Broadway Avenue for approximately 5 blocks. The home will be on your left. There is no fee for walking.

  • Public Transport

    South Central Transit (SCT) provides public transportation in Salem. Check the SCT website for routes and schedules. The Marlins Route connects Salem with other nearby cities. From the SCT Transportation Center, the home is a short walk south on Broadway Avenue. A one-way fare is approximately $2, exact cash or SCT money card only.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Salem. From anywhere in Salem, use a taxi or ride-share service to reach the William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home at 412 S Broadway Ave. A short ride within Salem will likely cost between $10 and $20, but fares may vary.

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Discover more about William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home

The William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home, located in Salem, Illinois, offers a unique glimpse into the early life of a prominent American political figure. Born in this house in 1860, William Jennings Bryan, known as "The Great Commoner" and "The Silver-Tongued Orator," went on to become a three-time presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. The two-story frame house, built in 1852 for Bryan's father, Silas Bryan, an Illinois State Senator, has been carefully preserved and now operates as a museum. Visitors can explore the rooms where Bryan spent his childhood, viewing memorabilia from his life, political career, and the historical period in which he lived. The exhibits include family furniture, Bryan's Spanish-American War uniform, and other personal items. Bryan himself donated the house to the City of Salem in the early 1900s with the intention that it become a museum. The home provides insight into the environment that shaped Bryan's ideals and ambitions. Beyond the personal story, the site reflects broader social and political currents of his time. Bryan was known as a populist and champion of the free coinage of silver. He is also remembered for his role in the Scopes Trial. The home is located next to the former Bryan Bennett Library, which he helped found. Nearby, visitors can also find Bryan Memorial Park, which features a statue of Bryan created by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore.

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