Thurmont is just a 'stone's throw' from Camp David and over the years we have been witness to many important meetings of world leaders. Camp David was originally established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was known as "Shangri-la". President Eisenhower renamed the Presidential Retreat in 1953 after initially considering closing the facility. The name was changed to honor his grandson David Eisenhower.

On September 29, 1955, President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack. The world was shocked to hear of his heart attack, and after recovering, President Eisenhower returned to his arduous duties. Here we see him presiding over a Cabinet meeting held at Camp David near Thurmont after his recovery. He is surrounded by Cabinet members L-R Post Master General Arthur E.Summerford, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, and Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson.