Located in Washington, D.C.’s Petworth neighborhood, President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home is one of America’s most important presidential sites. It closely connects visitors to our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, and the turbulent period he encountered during America’s Civil War. The cottage was the summer White House and the spiritual refuge of President Lincoln and his family during his two terms in office. During the summer of 1862, President Lincoln spent nearly 25 percent of his presidency living and working in the cottage while addressing issues such as emancipation, civil rights, and foreign affairs. Information can be found here.
President Lincoln’s Cottage today serves as a national monument and museum. As visitors enter the grounds of the cottage, they can visit the early 19th-century barn, which provides a glimpse into rural agricultural life at the time, as well as take a tour of the home, where visitors can explore the four-story structure from the inside. The tour guides visitors through all three floors and into the basement. On the second floor, visitors will find the drawing room, where Lincoln spent many hours working and reading during his time at the cottage. The first-floor kitchen and dining room are much as they were when Lincoln lived there. Visitors can also explore the attic and bell room during their tour and get access to President Lincoln’s living quarters. See here for information about Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, DC.