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
Veterans Day at the Soldiers’ Home
Lincoln’s Own Reading List, Summer-Autumn, 1862, ‘63, and ‘64
By Erin Carlson Mast
Welcome to the fifth and final installment of our President Lincoln’s Cottage Book Lists for 2009. Previous Book Lists detailed our top rated recent books on Lincoln, staff favorite books on Lincoln, visitor favorites on Lincoln, and children’s books on Lincoln. Reading about Lincoln is all well and good, but for a change, let’s look at what [...]
Mary Lincoln’s Seance at the Soldiers’ Home
By Erin Carlson Mast
Starting with Willie Lincoln’s death in February 1862, Mary Lincoln began to engage in spirit circles. Spirit circles, or seances, were led by a medium who helped those gathered communicate with loved ones who had “crossed over.” Spirits communicated with the living by various means including sounds like rapping, scratching, and playing instruments and touches [...]
Regional Events
Fall Teas,
11/05/09
Leesburg ,
Virginia
Traditional Afternoon Tea
In Praise of Fine Craftsmanship: A Weekend of Traditional Shenandoah Valley Arts and Antiques,
11/07/09
Middletown,
Virginia
A leading center in the production of pottery in the early 19th century, Strasburg, or “Pot Town” was known for its unsurpassed utilitarian and decorative ware produced by the Bell, Keister, Miller, Sonner and other makers.
Antiques Appraisal Fair and Traditional Crafts Days,
11/07/09
Middletown,
Virginia
Have you ever wondered about the value of your heirloom jewelry? Or what about those rare books your great grandparents collected? Bring them and more to Belle Grove’s annual Antiques Appraisal Fair!
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