Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
President Eisenhower’s Gettysburg Farm
Eisenhower National Historic Site
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
The farm has never looked better, mainly by virtue of the frequent gentle rains we have had since we have been here, and I have been happily renewing my acquaintance with my tiny Angus herd.
Eisenhower letter during recuperation from surgery, July 1956
The Eisenhower farm was the presidential and retirement home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, General of the Army and 34th President of the United States. Eisenhower purchased the 189-acre farm in 1950. After his election in 1952, the farm became his retreat where he relaxed with his family, raised prize-winning Angus cattle, and met informally with world leaders during those tense years of the Cold War. Having served two terms in office, Eisenhower retired to the farm in 1961 and lived there until his death in 1969. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower continued to reside at the farm until her death in 1979.
The farm’s role in the Civil War delighted Eisenhower – one of the reasons he chose to retire to Gettysburg was his love of its history. He enjoyed taking his guests on tours of the battlefield.
Since 1980, the farm has been managed by the National Park Service and is maintained as it was in Eisenhower’s day. Admission to the site is by shuttle bus only. Buses depart regularly from the National Park Service Visitor Center.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1956.
Location. 39° 47.669′ N, 77° 15.822′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Eisenhower Farm Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is across the road from the observation tower. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 245-257 Eisenhower Farm Rd, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Eisenhower National Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Secret Service Office (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to Eisenhower National Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guest House (within shouting distance of this marker); Guest House Railings (within shouting distance of this marker); The Helicopter Landing Pad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Stables (about 300 feet away); Follow in the Footsteps (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. The background of the marker is a modern day photograph of the Eisenhower farm, with the caption Today the Eisenhower National Historic Site comprises 690 acres. On the left of the marker is a photograph with the caption French President Charles de Gaulle (center), impressed Eisenhower during their Gettysburg tour, Eisenhower said, “He knew the battle like a West Point cadet.”
Also see . . . Eisenhower National Historic Site. (Submitted on March 13, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 6,473 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on March 14, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. Photos: 1. submitted on March 13, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on April 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 13, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.