Two Views of "Sacred Cow" Airplane Model, circa 1950

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Artifact Overview

These images show a model of Sacred Cow, the first aircraft constructed specifically for presidential use. The Douglas VC-54C, was designed for Franklin Delano Roosevelt with a wheelchair lift, picture window, and conference room. Roosevelt - the first United States President to fly while in office - only used this airplane once. Sacred Cow also carried President Harry S. Truman.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

circa 1950

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2011.241.14.75

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: 11 in
Width: 8.5 in

Inscriptions

Typed caption affixed to front: 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.
Two Views of "Sacred Cow" Airplane Model, circa 1950