Eisenhower National Historic Site

The Eisenhower National Historic Site is the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield. The President was very fond of family, friends, and farming. Although the house and barns were closed while we were there, we read that the farm had been renovated in the early 1950s and served as a weekend getaway for the President and a meeting place for world leaders. The Eisenhowers retired to the farm in 1961 and gifted the property to the federal government in 1967. The farm was designated as a National Historic Site in 1969.

While on the farm, President Eisenhower spent much time working the land and raising cattle. He once said, "I will leave the place better than I found it". Using a system of crop rotation and contour plowing, he slowly improved the productivity of the land. To prevent soil erosion and water run-off, fields were plowed perpendicular to the slope of the land. Soil materials were carefully monitored and crops were were rotated to rejuvenate the soil. Your STEM Challenge is to find an area of land around your home or in your community that you could turn into a flower or vegetable garden. Research the soil and climate, and decide what type of plants would grow best in that area. Create your garden and share what you plant with those who may need it the most. Share your garden on Social Media at #NatParkChallenge @dacia92, and #ExpeditionsInEducation

​Traveling Along, Dacia & Steve