The oldest standing structure on the Eisenhower property, the bank barn is an example of a classic staple of farms in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Built into the bank of the hillside, this 1887 barn offered a place for livestock, hay, and farm equipment for decades, long before the Eisenhowers purchased the property.
The Eisenhower flagpole is a central feature of the property. The Suffolk County Republican Committee of New York donated this flagpole in May 1955. An American flag flew here when a member of the Eisenhower family was present. During Eisenhower's presidency, the presidential flag also flew here. Once Eisenhower left office, the five-star general flag flew from this flagpole.
The Eisenhower home served as a place of rest, relaxation, and recovery during their years in the White House. This home was the only home the Eisenhowers owned together, and they would stay here for the rest of their lives.
During the construction of the Eisenhower home, this area was converted from a chicken coup into a garage. Eventually, a chauffeur’s lounge was included as well. Inside the garage are several vehicles used by the Eisenhowers during their time in Gettysburg.
Originally a small garage, the Eisenhowers converted this building into a guesthouse in 1955. The home features a bedroom, a small bathroom, and a sitting room, with a porch offering tremendous views of the surrounding area. The guesthouse was used primarily as extra space for visiting friends and family.
President Eisenhower was the first president to use a helicopter during his time in office. His inaugural presidential helicopter ride occurred in 1957, ushering in a new era of transportation for our nation’s chief executive.
The Journey is a unique historic, natural and scenic region, with farms and orchards; woodlands and forests; rivers and streams; rolling hills and mountain views; and unspoiled landscapes that can be explored by car, bike, canoe, foot or on horseback The region is alive with vibrant historic downtowns, rich agriculture and an abundant bounty of wineries, inns and unique cultural events.
General Eisenhower enjoyed few pursuits more than golf. The game gave him an opportunity to relax, enjoy fresh air, and get some low stress exercise. With his deep love for the sport, the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association of America) offered to install a putting green at the president’s home in Gettysburg.
In 1960, the Eisenhowers had this structure built for storing various items at their property including memorabilia, gifts, and Mamie Eisenhower’s Plymouth Valiant car. Since 1980, this building has served as the Eisenhower NHS Reception Center, providing information on the Eisenhowers and their story for thousands of visitors who have come to their Gettysburg farm.
This cinder block structure on the north end of the Eisenhower bank barn was originally used as a milk house until the U.S. Secret Service adapted it to be an office.
When President Eisenhower decided to purchase a farm to retire to, he had a goal of applying the best available science to agriculture. Artificial insemination was among the many innovative practices employed on the farm. Converted from an old milk parlor, the Semen Shed is a reminder of agricultural change.
Constructed in 1957, the show barn was designed to not only house cattle but to provide a facility where they could be groomed and prepped for showing.
One of the more unique features of the Eisenhower farm, the skeet range provided a place for General Eisenhower and his friends to enjoy one of their favorite pastimes.
Throughout their lives Ike and Mamie Eisenhower loved to entertain guests. This outdoor barbeque area was built using bricks, flowers, and shrubs donated from the National Capital Flower Show in 1955. They gave the Eisenhowers an excellent outdoor locale for entertaining guests and grilling, one of Ike’s passions.
The front lane is one of the more scenic locations at the Eisenhower farm. In 1954, the driveway was lined with fifty-three Norway Spruces, representing each state and territory in the US.
The core of this stone farmhouse dates to the original European owners of the property, the Armstrongs. Isaac Armstrong may have constructed the building sometime in the 1790s, and by the time of his death in 1835, the home was part of a prosperous tannery. In 1954 the farm was purchased by W. Alton Jones, the president’s cattle partner, and become part of the Eisenhower show cattle operation.
Roses were a favorite flower of both General and Mrs. Eisenhower. Historic documentation shows that roses were always intended to decorate the landscape around the Eisenhower home. The rose gardens were established by early 1955 and contained a wide variety of roses, many of which were gifts to the Eisenhowers.
