Garage and Presidential Vehicles

The garage in November 1955 when the president was recovering from a heart attack.

EISE NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Significance:

Formerly a chicken coop, this area was used as a garage during the Eisenhower’s time here. Today, exhibits show several vehicles used by the Eisenhowers during the 1950s and 1960s.

Designation:

Historic Structure

Amenities

3 listed

Accessible Sites, Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Originally a chicken coop, General Eisenhower thought this area would be better used as a garage on the southern end of the bank barn. During the construction of the Eisenhower home, this area was converted into the 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. Included in the collection is a limousine used during Eisenhower’s presidency, a station wagon, as well as several golf carts. Also, inside the garage is the “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” a custom Crosley automobile that Ike used to ferry guests around his farm.  

From World War II until his retirement, Eisenhower had become accustomed to being driven, and had thus not practiced his driving skills for quite some time when he took up driving again during his retirement years.