Presidential Airplane, the "Sacred Cow," circa 1945
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Artifact Overview
This Douglas VC-54C, nicknamed Sacred Cow, was the first aircraft constructed specifically for presidential use. It was designed for Franklin Delano Roosevelt with a conference room and wheelchair lift. Roosevelt - the first United States President to fly while in office - only used this airplane once, for the February 1945 Yalta Conference. Sacred Cow also carried President Harry S. Truman.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
circa 1945
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
2011.241.14.74
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edward L. Gies in Memory of Morgan L. Gies.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 8.063 in
Width: 10.5 in
Inscriptions
Typed caption affixed to back:
The "Sacred Cow" is a VC-54-C airplane. This airplane was converted so President Roosevelt would be able to be wheeled to the elevator which is located to the rear of the plane. Note the double window to the rear of the plane so the President would be able to see. The elevator is located just behind this window.
Handwritten:
"The Sacred Cow" C54
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