Camp David, the rustic presidential retreat, through the years
This article provides a historical overview of Camp David, the presidential retreat established by Franklin Roosevelt. It details the site's evolution and its use by various presidents for diplomatic summits and personal rest.
Why it matters
Understanding the history of presidential retreats provides context for how executive leadership manages diplomacy and personal downtime in the United States.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump left behind the gold-accented White House on Friday for a Cabinet meeting at rustic Camp David in Maryland’s mountains.
The retreat, about an hour northwest of Washington , has been the backdrop for presidential summits and smaller-scale meetings since Franklin Roosevelt established it during World War II. Friday’s meeting isn’t Trump’s first at Camp David, but he has spent less time at the compound than other presidents, and typically spends weekends at his own properties, including Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and his golf courses in New Jersey and Virginia.
Here’s a look at some key dates and prominent visitors in the camp’s history, assembled using archival material from The Associated Press, the National Archives, and presidential libraries.
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