President Lincoln's Cottage

President Lincoln's Cottage Review

In June 1862 President Lincoln moved from the White House to this Gothic Revival cottage on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home to escape the oppressive heat of Washington and to grieve for the loss of his son Willie. Lincoln and his wife lived in the cottage from June to November of 1862, 1863, and 1864—a quarter of his presidency. Considered the most significant historic site of President Lincoln's presidency outside the White House, it was here that the president developed the Emancipation Proclamation. Tours attempt to re-create a visit to the cottage similar to what Lincoln's many visitors in the 1860s experienced, and to take visitors inside Lincoln's mind as he anguished over the Civil War and emancipation.

The 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation is commemorated through exhibits, including an illustration of how present-day abolitionists work to stop modern slavery, with first-hand accounts by survivors of human trafficking.

Tours are given every hour from 11 to 3, Monday through Saturday, and every hour noon to 4 on Sunday. Only 20 spots are available per tour; make advance reservations through the Web site.

Although the museum is reachable by Metro and bus, it's much easier to drive or take a cab. Visitors may also picnic on the cottage grounds, which have been landscaped to look as they did when Lincoln lived here.