About three miles from the White House, on the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home, is the newly renovated Lincoln Cottage. During his presidency, Lincoln spent considerable time at the cottage where he would go with his family to escape the heat and humidity of Washington summers as well as the burdens of the presidency. The cottage was used by several presidents of the time, much as Camp David is used by contemporary occupants of the White House. Since its use as a presidential retreat, it was occupied as general officer's quarters and more recently as office space before undergoing a significant restoration to its former Lincoln period style. It was designated a National Monument by President Clinton in 2000.
The story goes that Lincoln would spend his days at the White House, his so called “Iron Prison,” and travel by horse to the cottage for the evening. Even in those days there was concern for the safety of the president, but he had no bullet proof carriage and indeed not much protection at all as the traveled to and fro. It was at the cottage that he received guests, mingled with the soldiers camped on the lawn and in the general area, watched the funerals of the fallen at the nearby national cemetery, and pondered… He found refuge at this cottage, wrote a famous proclamation, and weighed the wages of war.
The cottage is open for tours and is under the care of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
2 comments:
This is cool. I've heard a lot about this cottage. I'd like to see it sometime. Enjoyed your description, too.
Thank you Lyn. It is a wonderful little national treasure - and right in our back yard. I recommend making reservations if you go - we got in only because it was a damp and cold afternoon.
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