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The Eisenhower National Historic Site at Gettysburg adds to the town’s significance
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The Eisenhower National Historic Site
The town of Gettysburg is rich and abundant in American history, so much so that United States presidents and other political and famous characters have often ventured out to experience it. When Dwight D. Eisenhower first came to the little town, little did he know it was to be his future home by the 1950s.
The Eisenhower National Historic Site, at Gettysburg, currently spans nearly 700 acres of meadows, pastures, oak-hickory forest, two streams and plenty of bucolic farmland. Located adjacent to the south and west of the Gettysburg National Military Park, this site holds an abundance of wildlife, fantastic sites and multitudes of visitors annually.
Eisenhower’s Gettysburg experiences began first in 1915 when, as a cadet at West Point, he and his class visited the town to study the battle. By 1918, Eisenhower was appointed Commander of Camp Colt, a U.S. Army Tanks Corps. Training Center, located on the fields of Pickett’s Charge. By 1950, he and his wife bought a189 acre farm adjoining the Gettysburg Battlefield, and it was here he would return on weekends and holidays throughout his presidency. Eisenhower enjoyed entertaining guests, inviting colleagues, playing golf at the Gettysburg Country Club and even raised Angus Show Cattle. After his heart attack in 1955, this farm became the site of the temporary White House. By 1961, the Eisenhowers retired permanently to their Gettysburg home where the former president died in 1969 and the first lady in 1979. The National Park Service opened the Eisenhower National Historic Site in 1980.
The farm still maintains a herd of Black Angus cattle and is also rich in various other forms of wildlife. It is a designated Pennsylvania Important Mammal Area as well as an Important Bird Area. In addition to these lovely sites, the preserved land and house offer numerous tours and interactive activities to visitors.
Orientation Tours last about 15 minutes and covers grounds and farm operations highlighting how the farm was used by the president. House Tours include the original furnishings, and in the winter months there is a display of exhibits and a video in the reception area. Cell Phone Tours are interesting and great fun as a narrated tour of the farm and grounds speaks directly to you through your own mobile device. Self-guided Walking Tours of the grounds include rose gardens, the garage, guest house, the PGA putting green and much more. These tours cover the farm as well as the skeet range. Explaining Eisenhower is a 30 minute ranger-led walk and tour incorporating all focuses on Eisenhower, his life and lasting legacy. This program is offered during the summertime and spring and fall, staff permitting.
There are also two great programs available just for kids. The Junior Secret Service Agent Program, for ages 7 to 12, offers exciting activities to be completed and can be found in a special service training manual. New agents receive a certificate and a badge. There is also the Strictly For Kids Eisenhower Virtual Tour.
Due to the lack of onsite parking space, visitors to the Eisenhower National Historic Site may only arrive through a shuttle service provided by the Gettysburg Military Park Visitor Center. Summer operations for the shuttle are every half hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Adults, 13 and older pay $7.50 and children 6 to 12 pay $5.
Gettysburg’s rich history spans over 140 years in the making. For the last half a century, Eisenhower has contributed even more to this already historic area. The Eisenhower National Historic Site is located at 250 Eisenhower Drive, Gettysburg, PA 17325. For visitor information call 717-338-9114 ext. 10.
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