President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, DC gives Americans an intimate, never-before-seen view of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and family life. Lincoln’s Cottage was designated a national monument by President Clinton in 2000 and was restored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation at a cost of over $15 million. The cottage served as Lincoln’s family residence for a quarter of his presidency and is deemed “the most significant historic site directly associated with Lincoln’s presidency” aside from the White House. Lincoln used the cottage as a quiet retreat and crafted important speeches, letters and policies from this site.
Abraham Lincoln lived in the Cottage at the Soldiers' Home from June-November of 1862, 1863 and 1864. He was living here when he drafted the preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation and deliberated critical issues of the Civil War. Since the Cottage opened to the public in 2008, tens of thousands of visitors have engaged in conversations on liberty, justice, and equality, through innovative guided tours, forward-thinking exhibits and quality educational programs.
Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center
The Visitor Education Center, located in a restored 1905 building adjacent to Lincoln’s Cottage, features exhibitions that tell the story of wartime Washington, the Lincoln family’s discovery of their country retreat at the Soldiers’ Home, and Lincoln’s role as Commander-in-Chief. A special gallery features rotating displays of Lincoln-related artifacts.
Location
On the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home
Rock Creek Church Rd and Upshur St. NW
Washington, DC
Admission and Guided Tours
Reservations are strongly recommended. President Lincoln’s Cottage is located on the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home, the active Armed Forces Retirement Home. Call 1-800-514-ETIX (3849). Tickets are $12. All tours are guided and limited space is available. The Visitor Center is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon-Sat, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Official Website
www.lincolncottage.org
