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, President 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.
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President Lincoln's Cottage Blog
New Exhibit Opening Presidents Day Weekend
On February 17, 2012, President Lincoln’s Cottage will open Can You Walk Away?, an exhibit on modern slavery and human trafficking in the United States. This exhibit is part of a year-long commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln developing … Continue reading 
How the Northwest Territory Influenced Lincoln’s Views on Slavery
By Beth Roberts Recently I have been thinking about the states that made up the Northwest Territory, especially Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. It seems to me that the region’s shared values and institutions helped inform Lincoln’s growth over time. Lincoln’s … Continue reading 
Spreading Holiday Cheer—Lincoln Style
By Rebecca Downes What is your favorite part of the holiday season? Is it your brightly decorated Christmas tree or the glowing candles of your menorah? Perhaps it is the thrill of ripping open your holiday gifts and feasting on … Continue reading 
