There is a suite of hidden rooms in the old Fitzsimons Building on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU) in Aurora, Colorado. The former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (FAMC) operated from 1918 to 1996. The FAMC was originally built to treat soldiers with tuberculosis during World War I but expanded during World War II to treat chemical weapon casualties.

On the eighth floor of the building is a group of rooms restored to their former glory and acts as a President Dwight D. Eisenhower time capsule. The rooms commemorate the President's seven-week stay as he recovered from a heart attack in 1955.

President Eisenhower’s Hospital Rooms at Colorado Medical SchoolPhoto byColorado Martini

The Eisenhower Suite includes the president's hospital room, a Secret Service sitting room, and a nurse's office. The other rooms in the suite have been converted into offices and restrooms. We had the pleasure of seeing this historically restored area by taking a private tour provided by the campus. See the tour video below.

The Heart Attack

The Eisenhower family often vacationed in the Denver area while visiting family. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower was raised in Denver and her family home was not far from the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. President “Ike” began experiencing symptoms of a heart attack at about 1:30 am on September 24.

Eisenhower's restored hospital the room.Photo byColorado Martini

After a round of golf, he experienced severe chest pains which he thought was indigestion. As symptoms worsened over 12 hours, the Secret Service soon transported the president to the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with a heart attack.

The president spent seven weeks recovering at the facility in an area now called the Eisenhower Suite. During his time at the hospital, he received many visitors from family to Vice-President Nixon.

President and caretakers on the 8th Floor roofPhoto byPublic Domain

The president and first lady spent time on the large eighth-floor sundeck to relax outdoors. At 4:30 pm each day, Mamie would wave to friends and well-wishers who gathered on the hospital grounds. See the video below.

Site Note: After the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, Fitzsimons Army Hospital beds were filled with wounded soldiers from the indicent.

In the video below, you will be taken on a tour of the restored rooms and hospital.

CU Anschutz Takes Over

In 1996, much of the former military facility, including the hospital was deeded to CU. The building is now on the National Historic Register. The rooms in the Eisenhower Suite were restored in the 2000s and filled with Eisenhower memorabilia and period furnishings. The suite is open to public tours and is well worth the visit.

During the tour, you will be taken to Ike's hospital room and bathroom, an adjoining room where Secret Service agents kept watch over the president, and a medical workspace. Don’t forget to get your “I Like Ike” campaign button before you leave.

"I Like Ike" campaign pins.Photo byColorado Martini

If you would like to tour the Eisenhower Suite, you simply need to fill out a form to set up a tour date and time. Click here to register for a tour.

Did you know about this room? Let us know in the comments.

References

• Anschutz Medical Campus
• History Colorado

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