Camp David used to be known as Shangri-La. That is what FDR had named the camp.
             Beginning in 1938, a summer recreational camp in the Catoctin Recreation Demonstration Area (RDA) was developed for the use of Federal government workers and their families. Called Hi-Catoctin, it offered small cabins, a dining hall and a swimming pool.
             In summer even the White House, which had air conditioning, was so uncomfortable that the doctors were concerned for FDR's health. The President needed a retreat. Thus the search began for a location near D.C. where the President could relax away from the White House pressures and the D.C. summer heat. The RDA camp Hi-Catoctin was selected. The President's gain was the Federal employees' loss. Therein begins the story of Shangri-La/Camp David.
             President Eisenhower changed the name of Shangri –la to Camp David.
             The first time President Nixon visited he walked out to look at the Camp David sign which then said Camp Three. He wanted the old sign put back up and was promised it would be done by the next morning. Except that it could not be found. It was supposed to be, and had been, stored in the loft of the carpenter shop but someone had moved or taken it. Since it ws gone they had to make a new old looking sign. The Chief Builder in charge of the carpenter shop was rumored that as a part time job he was an expert at "making" antique furniture. And so the Chief builder worked all night to make the new sign. In the morning it was hanging in place when Nixon strolled out to look at it. No one new the difference and the original sign never was found.
             The entrance gate at one time was a log across the road and manned by a single sailor. But during WWII a 130 man detachment of Marines provided security for the Camp. Housed at a nearby camp, they manned security post 24 hours a day. At the close of WWII the Marine detachment departed the area. They were replaced by two sailors, one at the gate and ...