President Grover Cleveland was a unique figure in American history, serving as the 22nd and 24th president of the United States in non-consecutive terms. Now, he shares this honor with President-elect Donald Trump. Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, and his birthplace remains a modest site across from a gas station and donut shop. Despite his somewhat forgotten status in the national landscape, Cleveland continues to inspire residents of Caldwell, who see him as a hard worker and a man of integrity.
In Caldwell, Grover Cleveland’s legacy is still revered, with residents like Carlos Pomares finding inspiration in his story. Pomares, who ran for local office, admires Cleveland’s rise to power based on his honesty, hard work, and strong beliefs. Throughout the town, there are numerous places named after Cleveland, including an apartment complex, a park, a middle school, and even a reserved parking spot in his honor. His presence remains palpable in Caldwell, where locals proudly celebrate his accomplishments.
During his life, Cleveland spent time in Buffalo, New York, where he worked as a lawyer before becoming mayor and governor of the state. Despite a lack of notoriety before his presidential run, Cleveland was seen as principled and ethical. His first term as president in the midst of the Gilded Age focused on debates about tariffs, silver in the money supply, and pensions for union veterans. Although he lost his re-election bid in 1888, Cleveland returned to the presidency in 1892, narrowly defeating his opponent and moving back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with his wife, Frances Folsom.
Before the end of his first term, Frances Folsom expressed her belief to a White House staffer that they would return in four years, foreshadowing Cleveland’s eventual re-election. Despite initial feelings of contentment with his first term, Cleveland was persuaded to run again by party leaders and narrowly reclaimed the presidency. Throughout his political career, Cleveland maintained a reputation for integrity and honesty, making him a revered figure in American history. While national recognition of Cleveland’s accomplishments may have faded over time, his legacy continues to inspire those in his hometown of Caldwell, New Jersey.
