Visiting Presidential Sites - The Southern California Presidential Trail

This article is one in a series of travelogues onchief through works of art and multimedia. There
presidential historical sites across America. Join usis even a rare early 1800's copy of the
as we travel along the southern CaliforniaDeclaration of Independence on display.
presidential trail...Be sure to spend time in the Presidential Gift
California And The PresidencyGallery, which displays some of the 100,000 plus
If you've ever followed a national political election,gifts given to Mr. and Mrs. Reagan during his eight
it is easy to understand the importance ofyears in office. Because the gifts are accepted on
California to the presidency. Certainly it's notbehalf of the American people, they are
surprising social and civic leaders are developedgovernment property and displayed on a rotating
here, often rising to political prominence in thisbasis so they can be enjoyed by all.
populous and influential state.The Richard Nixon Library And Birthplace
Two of our presidents, Richard Nixon and RonaldAbout an hour south is the Richard Nixon Library
Reagan, called California home. Although Reaganand Birthplace, dedicated to the 37th president.
was born in Illinois, he spent most of his adult lifeDedicated in 1990, the complex not only
and career in California, ultimately becomingencourages interest in Mr. Nixon, but American
governor of the state. Nixon was born in Yorbahistory in general.
Linda, a suburban Los Angeles community aboutIt is the most visited presidential library and
20 minutes east of Anaheim.museum in the country.
Both presidents have their official library andMr. Nixon's actual birthplace is located here on the
museums in the greater Los Angeles area. Thenine acre site. it is a small catalog kit home built in
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is1912, a year before his birth. The interior has
located in Simi Valley, northwest of the city, whilebeen restored to that time period, and most of
the Nixon Library and Museum is in his birthplacethe furnishings are original.
of Yorba Linda.Included in the permanent exhibits is a feature on
Visitors can see both in one day, depending ofthe vice presidency, an office Nixon held for eight
course on traffic. It is about a one hour driveyears. A replica of the White House Lincoln Room
from one to the other, mainly traveling onis on display, along with many of the gifts Nixon
Interstate 5. Let's take a brief overview of eachreceived while in office. There is a fascinating and
of these presidential historic sites...compelling account of his trips to China, as well as
Visiting The Reagan Presidential Museumthe Watergate saga that ultimately led to his
Dedicated in 1991, the Reagan museum profilesresignation.
Mr. Reagan's early life in Illinois all the way throughFinally, a memorial where Mr. and Mrs. Nixon were
his final years as a senior statesman. You'll seeinterred is situated just a few feet from his
personal items from his college career and radiobirthplace.
broadcasting days, which ultimately landed ReaganSummary
a lucrative Hollywood acting career.Both the Reagan and Nixon museums offer a
His entry into politics is chronicled, along with hiscompelling glimpse at these two world leaders and
enduring marriage to his wife Nancy. From athe presidency in general. Each facility is open
broader perspective, one of the most interestingseven days a week and welcomes visitors from
permanent exhibits is the Gallery of Presidents,all over the world.
which spotlights all of America's commanders in