See Washington's Sites
While you're in town, be sure to visit some of our National Trust historic sites, including President Lincoln's Cottage, which opened to the public in February 2008. If you need directions, use our special interactive map to find your way.
Decatur House: This National Trust historic site is one of the oldest houses in D.C. and one of only three remaining U.S. residences designed by Benjamin Latrobe, "the father of American architecture." Completed in 1818, the elegant brick town house is just across Lafayette Park from the White House. The slave quarters at the house are a vivid reminder that African Americans were held in bondage within sight of the Executive Mansion. An exhibit about African Americans on Lafayette Square is currently on display in the slave quarters, and includes a quilt made by Mary Todd Lincoln's seamstress and the pen used by President Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For information about cell phone tours or guided house tours, please visit decaturhouse.org.
Woodrow Wilson House: The 28th president moved into a new house in D.C.'s Kalorama neighborhood (near Dupont Circle and the National Zoo) when he left the White House in 1921. Wilson's home remains as it looked during his lifetime, right down to the Rolls Royce parked in the garage. President Wilson's inaugural bible will be on display this month, plus other items related to the two Wilson inaugurals. In addition, "The Big Dish," an exhibition of more than 150 pieces of presidential china, will remain open through January 25. For information about guided tours or a free podcast audio tour of the Embassy Row neighborhood, please visit woodrowwilsonhouse.org.
Pope-Leighey House: One of just a few Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the D.C. metropolitan area, this modest Usonian house was saved from demolition by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and owner Marjorie Leighey. Located on the grounds of Virginia's Woodlawn Plantation (see below) about 25 minutes from downtown D.C., it's an ideal place to learn about Wright's architectural legacy. For more information, please see popeleighey1940.org.
Woodlawn Plantation: George Washington gave 2,000 acres of his personal Mount Vernon estate to his nephew, who had married Martha Washington's granddaughter, so that the young couple could construct a grand mansion. The first architect of the U.S. Capitol, William Thornton, designed Woodlawn, and construction began in 1800. The house was constructed by slaves using bricks formed and fired on the plantation in a kiln located on the grounds. One hundred fifty-one years later, the property became the first historic site of the newly formed National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, please see woodlawn1805.org.
Arlington House (Arlington National Cemetery): High atop a hill in Virginia, this exquisite 19th century house was the home of Robert E. Lee and his family for three decades. Built by Martha Washington's grandson beginning in 1802, the house is currently undergoing a major restoration and rehabilitation project. Arlington House, sometimes called the Custis-Lee Mansion, is maintained by the National Park Service and lies within the gates of Arlington National Cemetery. Click here for directions, park hours and additional information.
Tomb of the Unknowns Monument (Arlington National Cemetery): This may be your final chance to see the authentic marble monument marking the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The massive, 48-ton marble block, carved in 1931 to honor "an American soldier known but to God," displays cosmetic cracks. Despite assurances that the cracks are non-structural and repairable, the Department of the Army may discard the historically important monument and replace it with a replica. Click here for information about the National Trust for Historic Preservation's efforts to preserve the tomb, and visit arlingtoncemetery.org for visitor information.
