Frederick Douglass House
The Frederick Douglass House is the historic home of African American activist, public speaker, writer, and public servant Frederick Douglass
Tours of the Frederick Douglass House start at the visitor’s center, which unfortunately looks like a 1970s bunker. Despite being partially underground with concrete as the primary decorative element, the movie and displays orient visitors to the life and achievements of Frederick Douglass. After living in Massachusetts and New York, Douglass settled in Washington, DC at the end of his life. He purchased a house in Southeast DC that he called Cedar Hill
The tour is enriched by the large number of original items still in the house. Douglass was an accomplished violin player and would often play for visitors in the parlor on the first floor, where you can see his violin case leaning against the wall. The decorations used in this space often highlight his accomplishments. The wallpaper, for example, is a nod to his time as the Ambassador of Haiti.
Both family and friends would gather around the table in the dining room for meals where Douglass entertained diners with lively discussion and passionate speeches. His chair was modified to add wheels so he could quickly push away from the table when he was telling a particularly animated story.
After moving to Washington, DC, Frederick Douglass served under five presidents. He was first appointed United States Marshal for the District of Columbia by Rutherford B. Hayes. President Hayes even visited Douglass at Cedar Hill. Douglass had also been close with Abraham Lincoln and met with him several times to advocate for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for the African Americans serving in the Union Army. As a former slave, Douglass was self-taught. His library includes hundreds of books and demonstrates how well-read he was.
When Frederick Douglass purchased Cedar Hill, it had 14 rooms. He expanded the house to 21 rooms used for living, entertaining guests and business associates, and working on his many speeches and books. His wife Anna had her own bedroom across the hall from his. She helped fund his escape from slavery, and their marriage lasted 44 years. After her death, Douglass had her bedroom sealed, and it was never used again.
In addition to his advocacy for emancipation and eventually equal rights for African Americans, Douglass was a supporter of women’s suffrage. The ladies’ guest room on the second floor includes a portrait of Elizabeth Cady Stanton above the fireplace. Stanton and other suffragettes are likely to have stayed in this room when coming to the District of Columbia to fight for women’s right to vote.
The view from the Frederick Douglass House is said to be beautiful, but it was raining on the day I visited. The cozy nook at the end of the upstairs hallway looks like the perfect place to curl up with a book and some hot chocolate on rainy or snowy days. For those touring on a nice day, the cityscape includes views of the Capitol and Washington Monument.
My absolute favorite part of the tour is the growlery behind the house. This adorable little one-room cottage was Douglass’ precursor to the man cave. He used the solitude to read, write, and think about the pressing issues of his day. Take a peek inside, and then promptly add a growlery to your wish list.
The Frederick Douglass House is a historic gem that should be on every DC adventurer’s to-do list. Be sure to reserve your tour ahead of time since they often fill up in advance. Arrive around 30 minutes early for your tour except for the first tour of the day since the visitor’s center opens promptly at 9:00 am. Douglass was called the Lion of Anacostia, and his house is a great reason to visit this DC neighborhood.
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Address
1411 W Street SE
Metro Station
- Anacostia (GR)
Directions
The Frederick Douglass House is less than a mile walk from the Anacostia metro stop. Exit the metro on the Howard Road side of the station. Take a right on Howard Road, a left on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, and a right on W Street.
The B2 and V2 buses can also be taken from the metro. They both stop in front of the Douglass House at W and 14th Streets.
Accessibility
There are two accessible spaces in the parking lot near the Frederick Douglass House visitor center. The ramp up the hill to the house is paved and can be wheeled up. If preferred, you can request permission to drive your car up. Due to the historic nature of the house, wheelchairs wider than 27.5” will not fit through the narrowest doorway on the first floor. The second floor is not accessible.
Cost
Free
Advance reservations strongly recommended. There is a $1.50 fee for each reservation.
Hours
Tours daily at the following times:
- 9:00 am
- 12:15 pm
- 1:15 pm
- 3:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
- 4:00 pm (April through October only)
The National Park Services recommends you arrive at the visitor’s center 30 minutes before your scheduled tour except for the 9:00 am tour.
Length of Adventure
1-2 hours
Website
https://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm
