Decatur House
Home to Washington's Elite
Numerous influential political figures have called Decatur House home, including President Martin Van Buren. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
Decatur House, a National Trust Historic Site
This site features Decatur House, designed by architect Benjamin Latrobe, as well as one of the few examples of urban slave quarters. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
A Committment to Preservation
In 2004, reconstruction and restoration was completed on the home's original 19th century kitchen. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
Decatur House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Washington, DC and one of only three remaining houses in the country designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the father of American architecture. Completed in 1818 for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife, Susan, its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the Capitol's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures.
Regularly scheduled tours of the historic Decatur House will be discontinued beginning January 1, 2011 in order to allow needed preservation and conservation efforts to proceed on the building. The gift shop will remain open to visitors and the operation of education programs and special event site rentals will not be affected.
Decatur House is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and operated by the White House Historical Association.
