Presidents and Place: America's Favorite Sons

Presidents and Place: America's Favorite Sons explores the relationship between American presidents and various aspects of space and place, including birthplaces, deaths, and regional allegiances. The chapters examine the legacy of these relationships in social and cultural forms, ranging from political campaigns to television series and tourism developments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

America's Favorite Sons delves into the intricate interplay between America's foremost political figures and diverse aspects of space and place, encompassing birthplaces, final resting places, regional allegiances, and more. Within its chapters, the book explores the enduring legacy of relationships between presidents and their surroundings in various social and cultural manifestations, ranging from renowned political campaigns to popular television series and advancements in tourism. Spanning from the political iconography of New York's Federal Hall in the early eighteenth century to a concentration on the Republican Party's electoral alliance with the South, the chapters showcase the interdisciplinary and methodologically diverse nature of the study, emphasizing that place holds greater significance than mere biographical details in the context of US presidents.

Introduction:
America's Favorite Sons explores the profound connection between the nation's most influential political leaders and various facets of space and place. From the birthplaces that shaped their lives to the final resting places that marked their legacies, this book delves into the intricate tapestry of relationships between presidents and their surroundings. Moreover, it examines the ways in which these relationships have been expressed and interpreted through social and cultural forms, including political campaigns, television series, and developments in tourism.

Chapter 1:
The Political Iconography of Federal Hall in Early Eighteenth-Century America:
In the early eighteenth century, New York's Federal Hall served as a symbol of political power and governance. It was the site of important political meetings and debates, and it played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the United States. The chapter examines the political iconography of Federal Hall and how it reflected the values and aspirations of the early American nation. It also explores the ways in which Federal Hall's legacy continues to shape American politics and society today.

Chapter 2:
The Presidential Birthplaces and Their Significance:
Presidents have always been closely associated with their birthplaces. From George Washington's humble beginnings in Virginia to Abraham Lincoln's childhood in Kentucky, these places hold a special place in American history and culture. The chapter explores the significance of presidential birthplaces and how they have been used to shape the public perception of presidents and their legacies. It also examines the ways in which these places have become tourist attractions and how they contribute to the local economy.

Chapter 3:
Regional Allegiances and Presidential Politics:
Regional allegiances have played a significant role in American politics throughout history. From the regional divisions that emerged during the Civil War to the current political polarization, regional identities have shaped the political landscape and influenced presidential elections. The chapter examines the role of regional allegiances in presidential politics and how they have influenced the policies and decisions of presidents. It also explores the ways in which these alliances have evolved over time and how they have impacted American society.

Chapter 4:
The Presidential Deathplaces and Their Legacy:
Presidential deathplaces have also played a significant role in American history and culture. From the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, these places serve as memorials to the lives and legacies of presidents. The chapter explores the legacy of presidential deathplaces and how they have been used to shape public opinion and commemorate the presidents who have served the nation. It also examines the ways in which these places have become tourist attractions and how they contribute to the preservation of American history.

Conclusion:
America's Favorite Sons highlights the interrelationship between America's leading political icons and various facets of space and place. From the political iconography of Federal Hall in early eighteenth-century America to the regional allegiances that shaped presidential politics, this book provides a comprehensive examination of the enduring legacy of relationships between presidents and their surroundings. By exploring these connections in social and cultural forms, the book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of American politics and society.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 235 x 157 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666913729