President Lincoln's Cottage
Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center
The Education Center, which is adjacent to the cottage, features fascinating exhibits and media presentations of Lincoln's life and legacy. Learn More
President Lincoln's Cottage, a National Trust Historic Site
Lincoln's Cottage provides visitors with an intimate, never-before-seen view of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and family life. Learn More
Faithfully Restored
A $15 million restoration (funded by the National Trust) has faithfully restored the cottage and landscape to its Civil War-era appearance. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
Located on a picturesque hilltop in Washington, DC, President Lincoln's Cottage is the most significant historic site directly associated with Lincoln's presidency aside from the White House. During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his family resided here from June to November of 1862, 1863 and 1864. It was here that the President could take time to play with his son and read his favorite books, but he also used the cottage as a quiet setting for important meetings, visits from well-wishers, and solitary reflection. Though he considered the Soldiers’ Home a sanctuary, President Lincoln could not escape the civil war or the burdens of leadership. He made major decisions and developed the Emancipation Proclamation during the months spent at the Cottage.
Preservation History
In 2000, Lincoln's Cottage was named as one of the 11 Most Endangered Places in America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In partnership with the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and thanks to generous public and private financial support, the National Trust led the efforts to restore this National Historic Landmark and develop innovative and award-winning programs to interpret Lincoln's presidency. The exterior restoration was completed in April 2005 and the Site opened to the public in February 2008.
Get Connected
President Lincoln's Cottage Blog
Remembering Gettysburg
At 2 o’clock in the afternoon, 146 years ago today, Lincoln delivered his address at Gettysburg.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether [...]
“Don’t ask me to memorize his speech.”
By Erin Carlson Mast
While reading a book of short stories, I came across a line about Lincoln–about understanding Lincoln’s humanity. The narrator ends the preceding paragraph by saying, ”Don’t try to teach me. I’ll figure it out for myself.” He next speaks of Daniel Boone, saying, “Don’t tell me. I knew him.” He then says:
“Lincoln? A big [...]
2009 Museum Shop Around at Strathmore
President Lincoln’s Cottage is pleased to participate this year in the Museum Shop Around at Strathmore! This event brings together 16 of the regions best museum shops, including our sister-site The Stephen Decatur House Museum, for holiday shoppers. Help support area museums and historic sites while getting a head start on holiday shopping!
There is an admission fee [...]
Regional Events
Christmas at Oatlands,
11/23/09
Leesburg,
Virginia
Christmas at Oatlands
Thanksgiving Weekend Tours,
11/27/09
Middletown,
Virginia
Bring your family & guests to partake in a bit of history, do some great Christmas shopping, and enjoy a fine late fall day together at a special place.
Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show & Sale ,
12/01/09
Leesburg,
Virginia
Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show & Sale Limited to Small Works of Art
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Bowling Green, KY, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Dozen Distinctive Destinations
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Buckingham Training School, Dillwyn, Virginia,
Carter G. Woodson Houses, Washington, District of Columbia, 11 Most Endangered
Castalia Rosenwald School, Rocky Mount, North Carolina,
