The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens commemorates Leslie King, Jr., who was later known as Gerald R. Ford, Jr. before being sworn in as the 38th United States President in 1974.

Considered as one of the best homes in Omaha, this Victorian house has 3 levels and 14 rooms. It was the residence of the wealthy King family. Leslie, the only son, married Dorothy Gardner in 1913 and continued to live in the property where their first child wass born. Leslie King, Jr. was born on July 14, 1913. After the divorce of his parents, the young Leslie was adopted by his stepfather, Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr., leading to the change in name.

In an unfortunate incident, the house caught fire in 1971. Upon the declaration of Ford as the US President, the property was bought by James M. Paxson who wanted a memorial built on the site. After a year, a rose garden in honor of former First Lady Betty Ford was added to the property.