Cultural Landscape Report for Eisenhower National Historic Site, Volume I: Site History, Existing Conditions, and Analysis

Stakely, Tracy; Coffin Brown, Margie; Killion, Jeffrey

This CLR represents completion of phase one of a two-phase project intended to develop a complete CLR for the Eisenhower NHS. Included in this document is a comprehensive site history, record of existing conditions, and analysis of significance and integrity. The evolution of the landscape is described from the earliest recorded land ownership to the present for each of the four included farms. Both the common development patterns and unique landscapes of each farm are examined; however, the primary emphasis is placed on the development of the historic core of Farm #1. Secondary emphasis is given to the role of the Eisenhower Farms agricultural and cattle operation in regards to the farms’ development. Extensive research of written, graphic, and photographic resources was completed to establish a complete historical record of the site, and field surveys were undertaken to document the existing conditions. Much of the written documentation examined was previously compiled and edited primary source material. Bound collections of correspondence from General Eisenhower and others and a set of transcribed oral history interviews with persons associated with the Eisenhowers and the site provided detailed information. Major secondary sources used were a previously completed survey of the site’s early land ownership record, and several NPS planning documents, including the 1969 Historic Resource Study and Historical Base Map, the 1987 General Management Plan, and the 1999 Cultural Landscapes Inventory. The site’s extensive photographic collection and several historic maps also provided valuable information. Field surveys were completed in spring and summer 1999, 2000, 2002, and fall of 2005. Existing conditions were documented and checked against a 1969 historic base map to determine changes in the landscape. Existing conditions maps were then produced by combining the detailed information with a 1999 AutoCAD base map. This map was acquired by the park from an outside contractor prior to the completion of this report. Additionally, repeat photography was used to document landscape changes. In 1969, NPS photographer W. E. (Bud) Dutton took a set of slides of Farms #1, #2, and #3. These images were rephotographed in May 1999 by the primary author from the same locations to document the landscape changes that had occurred over the previous three decades. The analysis examines the historical significance of the Eisenhower property and evaluates the integrity of the physical character of the landscape. It is based on criteria developed by the National Register of Historic Places, which lists properties significant to our country’s history and prehistory. The analysis reviews the current National Register status, identifies inconsistencies and potential new areas of significance, and evaluates them in accordance with National Register criteria and related historical contexts. The evaluation examines the physical integrity of the extant landscape characteristics and features, such as vegetation, views, and circulation, with respect to the site’s historical appearance and identifies which contribute or do not contribute to the site’s historical significance. An awareness of contributing and non-contributing characteristics and features will facilitate the development of the second volume of the CLR, the treatment plan.

Cultural Landscape Report for Eisenhower National Historic Site, Volume I: Site History, Existing Conditions, and Analysis

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