Dwight David Eisenhower, (loved and known as Ike) came to Gettysburg after graduation from West Point as a married man and served as commander of Camp Colt.
Here are other highlights. In 1919 he led a cross country tour of military equipment over horrible roads. As allied commander in Europe he saw the value of the German Autobahn in moving troops and people. As president he initiated the Interstate Highway system.
As the successful allied commander and leader of D-Day and victory in Europe he was desired as a presidential candidate by both parties when he returned.
He was elected President and served two terms Jan. 53 -Jan 61.
Brown vs. Board of Education called for integration of schools. Ike used the national Guard to do so in Arkansas.
He balanced the budget three years of his administration.
The only home Ike and Mammie owned was here in Gettysburg. He was only able to fund it through his writing of books “The White House Years”, “Waging Peace”, and “At Ease, Stories I Tell to Friends”.
He was known here in Gettysburg as a “dangerous driver” as before retiring he was driven by an aid as a General and Secret Service agents while president. Upon retiring he had to drive himself. After President Kennedy was assassinated, he was given secret service protection and they took over the driving, providing relief to the roads of Gettysburg.
His son and his family lived in an adjacent home to the Eisenhour estate. The grandchildren attended the local public schools.
When Khrushchev visited the United States, the relationship was ‘cool’ and not going well. After visiting Camp David and Gettysburg and meeting Eisenhauer’s grandchildren, things improved. Implication, Ike read the situation well and used his family, farm and the community to improve relations. (Think of the contribution this community may have made to international relations.)
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Society was established in 1969 by Gettysburg residents to promote knowledge and understanding of the accomplishments of our 34th president and promote the code and values by which he lived as the most trusted world leader of his time.
The Society commemorates Ike on the Saturday closest to his birthday, educates others through Eisenhower events and seminars. presents scholarships to Gettysburg College students, funds internships at Eisenhower National Historic Site, and grants funds for projects that perpetuate Eisenhower’s legacy. For more information contact Ruthmary McIlhenny: ruthmarymc@comcast.net.
