Guesthouse

A black and white image of a white brick guesthouse with two rocking chairs in front

EISE NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Significance:

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.

Designation:

National Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

Amenities

2 listed

Audio Description, Cellular Signal

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 bell on top of the guesthouse originated from the Pitzer Schoolhouse on Millerstown Road, which John and Barbara Eisenhower owned at the time. The Eisenhower grandchildren wanted the bell placed atop the guesthouse, and like many grandparents, Ike and Mamie agreed to the request of their beloved grandchildren. 

The guesthouse was used primarily as extra space for visiting friends and family. Perhaps the most famous visitor to stay here was Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, the famed British general of World War II. In May 1957, President Eisenhower hosted Montgomery and took him on a tour of the Gettysburg battlefield. “Monty”, as he was often known, repaid the favor by getting Eisenhower into hot water with millions of Americans by criticizing the American generals at Gettysburg, especially Robert E. Lee.