25. Camp David continues to be a site where American history is shaped
Like the presidential perks which preceded it, the retreat at Camp David’s role in an administration is shaped by the president’s desires and tastes. Some have found its rustic setting confining and less than entertaining. Others have learned to love the place. With the notable exception of Bess Truman, all of the First Ladies who resorted to Camp David during their husband’s presidencies valued their time at the retreat, at least through the end of the Obama Administration. Major decisions which altered American history have been made there (including Nixon’s decision to resign the office), and it has offered welcome respite from the pressures of office for more than seventy-five years.
It has been the site of major summits, cabinet meetings, and discussions of global affairs. It has also been the site of pickup basketball games, tennis matches, and other competitions including the president and his guests. Mikhail Gorbachev first encountered the American game of horseshoes while visiting with George H. W. Bush at Camp David. On his first toss, the Soviet leader made a ringer, and Bush had a navy technician mount the shoe on a plaque, which was presented to the pleased Gorbachev that evening at dinner. In such ways, big and small, Camp David has contributed to America’s relationships among the world’s communities and leaders throughout its history.
Where do we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
“Harry S Truman Little White House”. Article, National Park Service. NPS.gov. Online
“Camp David: The Grounds”. Article, About the White House: Camp David. Whitehouse.org. Online
“Khrushchev and the Spirit of Camp David”. Article, About Camp David. December 28, 2012. Online
“Khrushchev’s Trip Itinerary”. Article, American Experience. PBS.org. Online
“Eisenhower’s Steaks”. Robert S. Allen, Chester (PA) Times. November 26, 1953
“Inside Camp David: The Private World of the Presidential Retreat”. Michael Giorgione, 2017
“Welcome to Camp David”. Article, White House Information. Whitehouse.gov. Online
“Camp David”. Article and documents, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Online
“The MacMillan Diaries II: 1959-1966”. Harold MacMillan. 2012
“The Memoirs of Richard Nixon”. Richard Nixon. 1990
“Two Weeks at Camp David”. Bob Cullen, Smithsonian Magazine. September, 2003
“Welcome to Naval Support Facility Thurmont”. Commander, Navy Installations Command. Online
“Presidential Retreats”. Article, White House Historical Association. Online
