The site for the national memorial to Eisenhower bears a close and unique relationship to his life-long public service. Eisenhower’s legacy has specific thematic relationships with federal entities adjoining the Maryland Avenue site. Together these buildings demonstrate Eisenhower’s broad legacy of improved national infrastructure, the foundation upon which he worked to build “a peace with justice in a world where moral law prevails.”

Eisenhower was responsible for the first direct federal aid to education, believing that its true purpose is “to prepare young men and women for effective citizenship in a free form of government.” Through the National Defense Education Act he initiated federal student grant/loan programs, graduate fellowships, and grants to improve public school instruction in mathematics, science, and modern languages.

As President, Eisenhower signed legislation creating the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (predecessor to HHS), addressing his belief that “a sound nation is built of individuals sound in body and mind and spirit.” He appointed Mrs. Oveta Culpa Hobby as its first Secretary. She led the effort to pass Eisenhower’s Social Security legislation in 1954, the largest single expansion of Social Security.

Eisenhower led the effort to create the U.S. Air Force while Chief of Staff of the Army, and he strongly supported aircraft development. As President, he signed legislation and supported development of the Air Force Academy. He was the driving force in creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, “a new space agency under civilian authority.” He created a top-secret military aerospace reconnaissance program to ensure no future president would face another Pearl Harbor.

Along with bolstering infrastructure on land and providing access to the seaways of the world with the Interstate Highway System and St. Lawrence Seaway, President Eisenhower also addressed infrastructure issues in air and space. Eisenhower actively promoted airport development and regulation of air travel with the establishment of the Federal Aviation Administration, which fostered “greater safety in air travel.” He had a personal hand in selecting the site of Washington Dulles International Airport, the first U.S. international airport.

Eisenhower deeply respected the power, authority and responsibility of Congress, which he said alone “has the power of the purse.” He created and maintained close working relationships with the leadership of both parties, who in turn gave him the support needed to govern effectively.

Eisenhower believed in freedom of information throughout the world to strengthen democracy nationally and internationally. He established the U.S. Information Agency in 1953 and moved the the Voice of America to its present location in 1954. Eisenhower was convinced that international understanding, “like domestic unity, depends, in large part, on the free, full flow of information and its balanced presentation.”

From Eisenhower Square, visitors experience a dramatic view of the United States Capitol down Maryland Avenue.

The LBJ Promenade is designed as a pedestrian street leading to an enhanced entrance to the Department of Education building.