President Lincoln's Cottage
140 Rock Creek Church Road NW, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 20011
During his time as president, Abraham Lincoln spent a significant amount of time at the Soldiers' Home, now known as President Lincoln's Cottage, in Washington DC. On his commute to and from the White House and the home, Lincoln could witness the devastating effects of the Civil War, which impacted the opinions that would become his policy.
The basics
In 2000, Lincoln's Cottage was designated the President Lincoln and Soldiers' Home National Monument, and in 2008, it opened to the public. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, this is where Lincoln composed much of the Emancipation Proclamation. Here, visitors can walk through the house where he and his family resided and learn about the site history via guided tours. Narration is focused on Civil War landmarks and visits usually include the cottage.
Things to know before you go
- On-site tours are available at the visitor center and last about one hour.
- As the cottage is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, visitors are required to show valid identification at the security gate.
- The visitor center is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp located by the east entrance; all exhibits and restrooms are found on the first floor.
- Visitors need to book guided tours; tickets are required in order to explore the home.
How to get there
Located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Lincoln's Cottage is accessible by DC Metro via the green and yellow lines. The nearest stop is the Georgia Avenue/Petworth station, which is less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) away from the gate. The H8 bus stop is located in front of the entrance. On-site parking is also available.
When to get there
The Lincoln Cottage Visitor Center is open daily, from 9:30am to 4:30pm, through the year. Tours are offered every day starting at 10am, with the last tour leaving at 3pm. The cottage also hosts events for the public throughout the year, such as forums and its annual Bourbon and Bluegrass event, which raises money for the preservation of the site.
Mount Vernon
Another presidential residence, Mount Vernon, the former home and final resting place of George and Martha Washington, is located just south of Washington DC along the Potomac River. Here, visitors can explore the expansive grounds, which include a 21-room mansion, gardens, and a gristmill and distillery. Mount Vernon is a popular day trip option for travelers visiting Washington.
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