Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Pond
Eisenhower National Historic Site
— National Park Service —
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 10, 2013
1. The Pond Marker
When Eisenhower would come (to the farm), and especially if he had a hard day or a hard week at the office, … we’d walk down by the flag pole all the way down to the creek, over to the pond.
CPO Walter West, U.S. Navy, who was assigned to Camp David as a horticulturalist and did landscape work at the farm.
Shortly after Eisenhower bought this property, a pond was created near this spot to provide water for fire protection and reduce insurance costs. A weir diverted water to it from the nearby creek and an overflow pipe sent water back into the creek.
With its lily pads and fish, the pond added interest to the landscape. But its water level fell during a drought in the early 1960s, and it was gone by 1964. Only the weir and overflow pipe remain.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Waterways & Vessels. 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 1964.
Location. 39° 47.55′ N, 77° 15.841′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker can be reached from Eisenhower Drive
this page online
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); Follow in the Footsteps (within shouting distance of this marker); The Helicopter Landing Pad (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Guest House Railings (about 500 feet away); The Guest House (about 500 feet away); A Herd of Modest Size (about 500 feet away); I shall leave the place better than I found it. (about 500 feet away); The Stables (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a photo of the Eisenhower farm in the spring of 1955. It includes a caption of “Stocked with bass, perch, bluegill, and crappie, the pond was also home to a variety of waterfowl, including wood, mallard, muscovy, and Rouen ducks, as well as swans and geese.”
An inset photo at the right side of the marker has a caption of “In this photo, the Eisenhowers’ grandson, David, and the President’s valet, Sgt. John Moaney, are shown fishing at the pond in August 1954.”
Also see . . .
1. Eisenhower National Historic Park.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 10, 2013
2. The Pond Marker
2. Biography of President Eisenhower from the White House website. (Submitted on April 13, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 10, 2013
3. The Pond Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 10, 2013
4. Marker at the Eisenhower Farm
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 13, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
