Most People Don't Know This President And First Lady's Gravesite Is Found Right Here In Southern California
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 12, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Former President and First Lady Ronald and Nancy Reagan, were known for farm more than their time in the White House. Though neither was born here, Ronald and Nancy Reagan were – separately and together – an intrinsic part of Southern California history. So it makes perfect sense that this is where the former President and First Lady would be memorialized and ultimately laid to rest. This presidential gravesite in Simi Valley, CA, is part of a library and museum that bears his name.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan, born in Illinois and New York City respectively, each moved to Hollywood in their 20s to pursue acting careers, both of which were quite successful. It was here that they met, dated, and married. Later, Charlton Heston was quoted as calling their relationship “the greatest love affair in the history of the American Presidency.”
Ronald Reagan was elected Governor of California and served two terms, from 1967 to 1975. In 1980, he became the 40th President of the United States, serving in office from 1981 to 1989.
Throughout their time in office, the Reagans returned to spend time at their home in Southern California, Rancho del Cielo, also known as the “Western White House. After retiring, the couple split their time between the ranch in Santa Monica and their home in Bel Air.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, contains presidential records from the Reagan Administration, including 50 million documents, more than 1.6 million photos, and hundreds of thousands of feet of film.
On November 21, 1988, Mr. and Mrs. Reagan themselves broke ground for the Presidential Library, which would eventually include an underground tomb for the two of them.
The library also houses the Air Force One used by Reagan and several other presidents, a piece of the Berlin Wall, a replica of the Oval Office, clothing and artifacts belonging to Nancy Reagan, and much more.
Former President Ronald Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, and two days later, his casket was brought to the library where a memorial service was held and over 100,000 mourners came through to pay their respects.
Ronald Reagan was finally laid to rest in the underground vault on the property. Nancy Reagan died on March 6, 2016, and after her funeral, the former First Lady was buried at the library as well, alongside her husband.
Did you know that this former President and First Lady were buried here in Southern California? Have you ever been to the fascinating Reagan Library and Museum (which I highly recommend)? Learn more on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum website and the Reagan Library Facebook page. SoCal is also home to another presidential library you may want to check out – the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.
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