Like other American presidents, Eisenhower was showered with gifts from all over the world.  Two terms in office, good will tours of South America, Europe and Asia, and international fame that preceded the presidency contributed to the large number gifts he received. They were impressive even by presidential standards.

Unlike today’s Chief Executive, Eisenhower faced few legislative restrictions pertaining to the disposition of gifts received from foreign dignitaries.  President Eisenhower turned most gifts over to his future presidential museum in Abilene, Kansas.   But he did keep some noteworthy state gifts, several that can be seen in Gettysburg today.  Many were selected with the Gettysburg farm in mind, including rose bushes from the Chancellor of West Germany, a burro from Generalissimo Franco of Spain, and spruce trees from each of the state Republican parties.