Posted in D.C. November 13, 2022 by Maura

Why This Often Overlooked Attraction Is Actually One Of DC’s Best

DC has plenty of historical attractions that you can experience. In fact, one could argue that the whole city is a historical attraction. But there are some historic sites that are better known than others. But we’re here to argue for those lesser known sites. Just because they are not in in every guidebook, doesn’t mean they are not worth seeing. One of the most interesting historic sites in DC is one of the most lesser known places in DC. President Lincoln’s Cottage might be one of DC’s best attractions.

President Lincoln is one of the most fascinating and important presidents in this country's history. While you can learn about him at The White House and at Ford's Theatre, Lincoln's Cottages gives visitors a unique look into his life.

Lincoln's Cottage was not actually owned by President Lincoln, but he spent much of his time here during his presidency.

He would often ride the 30 minute, 3.5-mile ride to the White House every day and then come back to the cottage in the evening. In fact, Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation at his summer home.

Today, the Gothic revival home sits on the grounds of an armed forces retirement home.

It has been renovated and preserves much of the past. It is an incredible look at what life was like during the Civil War and how it impacted the president.

Visitors can take guided tours of the home. The tour guides are gifted storytellers and historians who are able to transport you back to the Civil War.

The house gives the most intimate look at President Lincoln's personal and public life.

Because the house is located in Petworth, far from the normal tourist attractions, it's relatively unknown and often uncrowded place. In addition to tours, they occasionally hold private events and special programs at the home.

If you live in DC, you should definitely take a trip to Lincoln's Cottage to learn more about this impactful president. The Cottage is located at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC 20011. It is open daily and admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12.

Have you visited President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington DC before? It really does belong on your DC bucket list! Visit the official website for President Lincoln’s Cottage to learn more and plan your excursion.

Check out some other lesser known places in DC in this article…

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Address: 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC 20011

The OIYS Visitor Center

lesser known places in DC

November 18, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some other lesser known places in DC worth visiting?

Washington DC is known for memorials and monuments. We have some of the most famous memorials and monuments in the world. But after you have lived here for a few months or even visited here a few times, you’ve probably seen most of the bigger monuments. If you have already visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument more than 10 times, it is time to see some other memorials. Here are some lesser known places, monuments, and memorials in DC you should visit:

Albert Einstein Memorial: The Albert Einstein Memorial was dedicated in 1979 and sits outside the National Academy of Sciences.
Temperance Fountain: The fountain was installed in 1884 as part of a strange push for prohibition. Dr. Henry Cogswell believed if people had access to free, cold water then they wouldn’t be tempted to go into saloons so he built sixteen temperance fountains in the country.
Daguerre Monument: If you love taking photos, then this is the monument for you! Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre was the inventor of the first viable photographic process. The monument is outside the National Portrait Gallery.
Civil War Nurses Memorial: Also known as the "Nuns of the Battlefield" relief, this memorial is located on 1745 M St NW. During the Civil War, the only "professional" nurses were nuns from orders who ran hospitals. During the war over 600 nuns came to the battlefield to care for casualties.
African American Civil War Memorial: This memorial is dedicated to the African American soldiers who fought during the Civil War. The names identifying over 200,000 soldiers are carved into the steel panels.