James A. Garfield's Legacy Lives on in Moreland Hills
A replica of the cabin in which James A. Garfield was born in the fall of 1831 sits a few hundred feet from the original site.
Chagrin Valley Engineering updates the trail and stairway leading to the James A. Garfield birth site.
On this Election Day, as citizens across the country head to the polls, we are proud to celebrate the democratic spirit of our communities. Our work as civil engineers often involves shaping and sustaining the places where people live, work, and engage with local history. Recently, we completed a project to enhance a special part of history for the Village of Moreland Hills where we serve as the Village Engineer.
Moreland Hills holds a special place in American history as the birthplace of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Garfield’s story is one of resilience, service, and a deep commitment to the ideals of democracy. Born on November 19, 1831 in a humble log cabin, Garfield's roots in this area connect us directly to the legacy of a man who rose from modest beginnings to mark a page in history.
In honor of his legacy, the James A. Garfield Birth Site in Moreland Hills stands as a tribute to the president. A replica of the cabin in which he was born sits a few hundred feet from the original site, serving as a tangible connection to Garfield’s origins. The area is accessible by a trail that, until recently, had an outdated path and stairway. Thanks to the support of Cuyahoga County ARPA funds, the Village was able to construct a new, code-compliant stairway, making the site safer and more accessible for visitors. Schirmer Construction LLC completed this work, and our team at Chagrin Valley Engineering played an important role in this project.
At Chagrin Valley Engineering, we are committed to celebrating the history and character of the communities we serve. Whether through infrastructure improvements or trail and park designs, it’s our privilege to enhance these spaces. The work we did at the James A. Garfield Birth Site exemplifies our dedication to preserving local heritage, public safety, and accessibility.
CVE helped update the trail and stairway leading to the James A. Garfield birth site, providing safe and compliant access to allow visitors to fully experience this special historical landmark.