Homestead with a Communal History at Eisenhower Farm

Whether you aim to retreat from the unknowns of the present into the fixities of the past, or whether you want to embrace our history for all the wisdom it has to offer for today, Eisenhower Farm is replete with all the trappings of History, both made and in the making. Purchased by Dwight D. Eisenhower before he claimed the title of 34th President of the United States, this historic home and its nearly 700 acres of surrounding grounds served as both a respite and a fulcrum for great events and actors of the 1950s. Home of the Commander of Operation Overlord WWII, Supreme Commander of NATO forces, and President of the United States at the inauguration of the Cold War, this site provides a closer look at the figure who was so crucial in creating the ramparts of our modern world order.

Now designated a National Historic Site, the farm has spanned much of the important moments of American history from the Colonial Era to the beginning of the Cold War. Not only were several of the farm’s original buildings erected in the 18th century, but in the 19th century the property was witness to the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg before the farm was bought (and later renovated) by the Eisenhowers in 1950. In this tranquil yet momentous setting—showcasing views of South Mountain and proximate to the historic battlefield of Gettysburg—the Eisenhowers found reprieve from the pressures and pace of Washington D.C. This home and farm (with putting green, extensive acres of cropland, barns, and Angus-grazed pasture) also provided a more informal setting for significant meetings with several world leaders, including Churchill, Khruschev, and de Gaulle. Few other locations provide such an intimate look into the life of one of America’s greatest presidents.

Please note that the main house has not yet been reopened for visitors, but guests are still able to take free, self-guided tours of the farm grounds, gardens, teahouse, skeet range, and Angus cattle barns. Visitors who are also inclined to see the great Civil War battlefield in the same trip can opt to take a bus from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. Please check the National Park Service website for the most current updates on opening of the main house, as well as information on accessibility and parking.