James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791 at Stony Batter, a trading post named after his father's homeland in Northern Ireland. Stony Batter consisted of not only the trading post, but also an inn, barn, stables, storehouses, and the log cabin where the family lived (http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/buchanan/essays/biography/1).
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This is local artist Charles Stoner's depiction of what Stony Batter looked like at the time (available at Buchanan State Park, shown on informational display).
The log cabin where Buchanan and his family lived is no longer on the property. It has been been moved, most recently to the grounds of the Mercersburg Academy.
The log cabin where Buchanan and his family lived is no longer on the property. It has been been moved, most recently to the grounds of the Mercersburg Academy.
Although none of the buildings still exists at Stony Batter, a monument commemorating Buchanan's birth stands prominently on the hill where his home may have been. This monument was made entirely from local stone, which adds to the sentimentality of the monument. Buchanan once said, "It is a rugged but romantic spot, and the mountain and mountain stream under the scenery captivating. I have warm attachments for it." It is only fitting that this monument be made of stone from the very mountains where he was born.
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This following inscription can be seen on the front of the monument.
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