Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States
Dwight David Eisenhower was born 135 years ago yesterday, on October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas; then raised in Abilene, Kansas. He came from a large family and worked hard from a young age. Eisenhower graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1915, where he began building the leadership qualities that would define his life.
Before entering politics, Eisenhower served in the U.S. Army for over three decades. He rose through the ranks during World War II and became Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, overseeing the successful D-Day invasion. After the war, he served as Army Chief of Staff, then as president of Columbia University, and later as the first Supreme Commander of NATO.
Eisenhower, as a member of the Republican Party, was elected President in 1952 and served two terms from 1953 to 1961. His administration prioritized economic stability, national infrastructure, and a strong defense. His most enduring achievement was launching the Interstate Highway System, transforming travel and commerce in the United States.
- Eisenhower married Mamie Doud in 1916, and together they had two sons—Doud, who died in infancy, and John, who became a military officer and author.
- During World War II, Eisenhower kept a well-worn desk plaque that read “Take responsibility, not credit”—a phrase that reflected his leadership style and is still admired today.
- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library is located in Abilene, Kansas, and houses military records, personal correspondence, and official documents from his presidency; the nearby Eisenhower Boyhood Home is also open to visitors.
Eisenhower left office with the country at peace and the economy strong. His warnings about the “military-industrial complex” in his farewell address continue to be studied in political science courses today. He is remembered as a steady and thoughtful leader who helped guide the nation through a critical period of postwar growth and Cold War tension.
His presidency embodied the principles of responsibility, patriotism, and practical leadership—traits that align with the values promoted by the Republicman Collection and other apparel lines available on our site. Explore more insights and stories from American history and culture by browsing our content at Stories & Swag