FDR expanded estate to 1,500 acres, planted 500,000 trees, then gave home to US

President Franklin D. Roosevelt generously bequeathed his family’s Springwood estate to the government, substantially enhancing the property throughout his life. By planting over 500,000 trees, Roosevelt transformed the surrounding landscape. This pivotal donation secured the lasting preservation of this notable presidential site, which became both America’s first presidential library and a cherished national historic landmark.