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Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Review

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Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

  • Address: 1411 W St. SE, Anacostia, Washington, DC | Map It
  • Phone: 202/426-5961; 800/967-2283 tour reservations
  • www.nps.gov/frdo

Fodor's Review:

Cedar Hill, the Anacostia home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, was the first Black National Historic Site that Congress designated. Douglass, a former slave who delivered rousing abolitionist speeches at home and abroad, resided here from 1877 until his death in 1895. The house has a wonderful view of Washington across the Anacostia River and contains many of Douglass's personal belongings. In 2006 a major renovation restored the home to its original grandeur; now you can view Douglass's hundreds of books displayed on his custom-built bookshelves, and Limoges china on the Douglass family dining table. A short film on Douglass's life is shown at a nearby visitor center. Reservations are required for tours. To get here, take the B2 bus from the Anacostia Metro stop.

  • Cost: Free
  • Open: Mid-Oct.-mid-Apr., daily 9-4; mid-Apr.-mid-Oct., daily 9-5; call ahead for tour times
  • Metro: Anacostia
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