Presidents Day 2024: Presidents played a pivotal role in Coachella Valley history
From the archive: This series originally published in The Desert Sun in October 2017.
The frequency and nature of the presidents’ visits to the desert reflect the unique character of the Coachella Valley’s resort communities, providing respite from the political spotlight, a place to unwind and relax and even a stunning backdrop for gatherings of world leaders. From Eisenhower to Trump, the series looks to uncover the unknown and delve into the legends about these presidents.
EXPLORE THE SERIES:
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower
Eisenhower, golf and the desert were a magical mix.
35. John F. Kennedy
JFK's desert ties included mob entanglements, affairs and political repercussions.
36. Lyndon B. Johnson
Johnson talked foreign policy with the Mexican president in Palm Springs in 1964.
37. Richard Nixon
Nixon spent the day of his pardoning in Rancho Mirage.
38. Gerald Ford
Ford believed a sense of humor was vital for a president.
39. Jimmy Carter
Carter made brief, quiet stop in valley. So quiet, most say he was never here
40. Ronald Reagan
Reagan put the Annenbergs' annual New Year's Eve party on the social map.
41. George H. W. Bush
H.W. Bush turned a golf trip into a historical diplomatic weekend at Sunnylands.
42. Bill Clinton
Clinton's desert influence exceeds the historic round of golf he once played here.
43. George W. Bush
W. Bush came to the desert with money and mountains on his mind.
44. Barack Obama
Obama found unplugged getaway in the digital age.
45. Donald Trump
Trump visited Palm Springs to establish a TV 'brand' long before 'The Apprentice'.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Presidents Day 2024: Presidents role in Palm Springs history
