Walking in Lincoln’s Footsteps: Our Visit to President Lincoln’s Cottage
If you’re ever passing through Washington, D.C. and you’re a fan of American history—or just enjoy cool, lesser-known places—do yourself a favor and visit President Lincoln’s Cottage. We recently spent a few hours there, and let us tell you… This place is a hidden gem and one of D.C’s. best kept secrets. It’s rich with history, beautifully preserved, and gives you a much more personal look at one of our most iconic presidents.
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What Is President Lincoln’s Cottage?
Tucked away on the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home in northwest D.C., this Gothic Revival-style house served as Abraham Lincoln’s seasonal retreat during the most intense years of the Civil War. From 1862 to 1864, Lincoln lived here for nearly a quarter of his presidency. He commuted daily to the White House from this spot, escaping the chaos of downtown D.C. to focus on some of the most consequential decisions of his leadership, including drafting the Emancipation Proclamation.
But what struck us the most was how human Lincoln felt here. This wasn’t just a place for politics—it was a space for reflection, for grief, and for grappling with the moral weight of the Civil War.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many other presidential homes that are filled to the rafters with period furnishings and velvet ropes, Lincoln’s Cottage is intentionally more minimal. That’s because this place is all about ideas, not artifacts. The architecture is amazing, and some of the original wallpaper and paneling are displayed under layers of paint.
The thought of holding the same handrail as President Lincoln as I climbed the stairs sent a chill down my body.
The guided tour (which we highly recommend) is interactive and conversation-driven. You’re encouraged to think critically about leadership, morality, and the power of choice, just as Lincoln did. And trust us, it’s not your typical museum script. We left genuinely inspired and even a little emotional.
One of our favorite parts? Standing in the very room where Lincoln is believed to have written the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. There’s a desk, similar to but not the actual one. The actual desk is in the White House. But it is fun to just use your imagination and the weight of history hanging in the air, to think of what Lincoln must have been thinking, sitting at that desk.
A Huge Shoutout to Our Tour Guide
Our experience wouldn’t have been the same without our tour guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about Lincoln’s story. You could tell he wasn’t just reciting facts—he was inviting us into the mindset of Lincoln during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.
He brought the space to life with stories we hadn’t heard before and gave thoughtful context that connected Lincoln’s past to today’s issues. We found ourselves hanging onto every word, and honestly, we walked away with a deeper understanding of not just Lincoln the president, but Lincoln the person.
If you ever visit, definitely try to catch one of the guided tours—it makes all the difference.
A Peaceful Place With a Powerful Message
The grounds are gorgeous too—green, peaceful, and filled with stories. As full-time RVers, we’ve visited a lot of historic sites, but this one had a quiet intensity that stuck with us. You can see why Lincoln sought refuge here. There’s even a life-size statue of Lincoln and his horse out front as if he just rode in from town.
The cottage feels alive with meaning. It’s a place where you’re invited to not just learn history but to feel it.
If You Go…
Here are a few helpful tips for visiting:
- Location: It’s a short drive from central D.C., but not really accessible via public transportation. Parking is free and easy if you’re driving your toad or rental.
- Hours: Open daily except for major holidays. Check their website for tour times—you’ll want to book in advance. Tours begin on the hour between 10 am and 3 pm and last approximately one hour. Taking a tour is the only way you can access the Cottage interior (unless registered for a program or event).
- Tours: The guided tour is the highlight. Give yourself about 90 minutes, and stay afterward to explore the grounds.
- Accessibility: The cottage is wheelchair accessible, and the staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.
Why We Think It’s Worth the Stop
In a city filled with marble monuments and sprawling museums, President Lincoln’s Cottage offers something unique: a different perspective. It’s not just a place to see where history happened—it’s a place that asks you to reflect on what it means to lead, to struggle, and to change the world.
It reminded us why we travel in the first place—not just to see cool stuff, but to connect with deeper stories. And this story, the story of Lincoln’s time here, is one worth hearing.
What interesting places can you recommend?
We’re always on the lookout for unique, out-of-the-way experiences to add to our list.
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