Visit the Ohio cemetery "owned" by President Trump
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Officially known as Stonewall Cemetery, the site near Lancaster has other nicknames like Presidents' Cemetery. Photos: Tyler Buchanan/Axios
President Trump owns towers and golf courses around the globe. He might not know it, but he also "owns" a small family cemetery near Lancaster.
Why it matters: The roadside curiosity about 25 miles from Columbus is a worthwhile politically adjacent trip after a grueling campaign season.
Flashback: The story dates back to 1817, when Nathaniel Wilson III set aside land for a family burial ground.
- President James Monroe toured the nation that year and made a brief stop in Lancaster.
The visit perhaps inspired Wilson. A few months later, he deeded the land to Monroe "and his successors forever," per the Fairfield County Park District — intending for it to always be in the hands of the sitting president.
- Wilson later began construction on 7-foot-high sandstone walls in a 12-sided circular shape. His son, Gustin, completed the project after he died in 1839.
Yes, but: "No evidence has been found that Monroe ever accepted the deed," the park district notes.
- "However, for many years it was the tradition of Fairfield County officials to notify each new president that he was the trustee of Stonewall Cemetery."
What they're saying: Today's officeholders no longer carry on that tradition.
- "I do not believe presidents have been notified in quite some time, probably several decades. The park district has not notified any presidents," director Marcey Shafer tells us.
- We asked the Trump White House whether the president is aware of his real estate holding and haven't heard back. The administration may be a bit preoccupied.
Nonetheless, the spot has taken on nicknames like Presidents' Cemetery and the President's Half Acre, and remains an unusual tourist site.
If you go: 2375 Stonewall Cemetery Road SW, Lancaster.
