I tell all the same thing—I just want to be a one mule farmer in Virginia or Georgia or Tennessee.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

The farm at Gettysburg provided a source of pride, recreation, and relaxation to Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower during their presidential and retirement years. Attracted by the poor, worn out soil conditions, Ike viewed the farm as a place to practice his interest in soil conservation. The agricultural tools and equipment tell a story of reclamation, improvement, and achievement.

The Eisenhowers came to Gettysburg, PA in 1950 looking for a retirement home. They had heard that the Allen Redding farm was up for sale. Both were sold on it after touring the property. The General found the worn out soil conditions of the cropland a challenge. Negotiations took some time. In the end, Ike and Mamie purchased 189 acres of land, the house, barn, and outbuildings, plus all of the farm equipment (worn out or otherwise) and a herd of 24 dairy cattle and 500 chickens. The purchase price was $44,000, the highest price paid for a farm in Adams County to that point. Finally, the Eisenhowers had a place of their own, the first in their 34 years of marriage.

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