Lincoln commuted between the cottage and the White House on horseback during the Civil War.
The site was known as 'Anderson Cottage' when it served as the first retirement home for veterans.
Lincoln frequently used the cottage to escape the stifling heat and political pressure of downtown Washington.
The interior contains original floorboards that Lincoln himself walked upon.
The cottage is located on the highest point in Washington, D.C., which provided a strategic vantage point during the war.
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed while Lincoln was residing at the cottage in 1862.
The home was originally built for banker George Washington Riggs in 1842.
President Lincoln's Cottage served as the summer residence for Abraham Lincoln and his family for over a quarter of his presidency. Located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, it is where Lincoln drafted the Emancipation Proclamation. The site offers guided tours focused on Lincoln's policy decisions and his private life during the Civil War. It remains one of the few places where visitors can walk through the exact rooms where the president lived and worked. The cottage underwent an extensive multi-year restoration before opening to the public in 2008. It stands as a National Monument, highlighting Lincoln's views on freedom and equality. The architecture features Gothic Revival elements, distinct from the more formal White House.
The front exterior of the Gothic Revival cottage provides the most iconic perspective.
Book your tour online in advance as capacity is limited for every time slot.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the site includes walking paths across the historic campus grounds.
Arrive early to explore the visitor center exhibitions before your scheduled tour begins.
Do not attempt to walk in without a reservation, as walk-in availability is rarely guaranteed.
Open daily; closed on major federal holidays.
Photography is restricted inside the cottage; maintain a quiet, respectful tone throughout the tour.
