In this article, we’ll explore Lincoln Sites in Washington, DC. It is at these eleven sites where visitors can learn, connect, further understand, and celebrate the legacy of our nation’s sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln will forever be known as one of the most remarkable leaders our country has ever seen. So, it’s no surprise that there are nods to his presidency sprinkled throughout the nation’s capital. These Lincoln Sites in Washington are a must-see for not only Lincoln fans, but also fans of American history. Oh…and don’t forget your top hat!
Table of Contents
Lincoln Sites in Washington, DC
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
Less than 1/2 a mile away from the White House you’ll find New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. The Lincoln family worshipped here from the time he took office until his death in 1865.
When the Lincoln’s attended the church, it was brand new. The Colonial Revival style church had the tallest steeple in the city. The steeple was severely damaged in a storm. Mary Harlan Lincoln, the widow of president’s son Robert, paid to have the steeple rebuilt.
The original structure was demolished in 1951, and replaced with a similar structure. Outside of the church, you can still see the president’s hitching post. The bells for the new church were a gift from Mary Lincoln Isham, one of Lincoln’s granddaughters.
Inside, you’ll find the family pew, a Lincoln stained glass window, an early emancipation document, and other memorabilia.
White House
After Lincoln’s inauguration on March 4, 1861, the Lincoln family lived on the second floor of the White House.
By the time the Lincoln’s moved into the residence, the home needed to undergo renovations. Congress approved $20,000 for the home to be revamped. The First Lady purchased new carpets, draperies, wallpaper, furnishings, china, books, and modernized the plumbing, heating, and lighting. It was a massive, and costly, undertaking. She exceeded the budget by nearly 30%.
When the Lincoln’s lived in the White House, there was an open door policy for the public. American citizens were able to come and go from the home, as they pleased. People would crowd the hallways and camp outside of his office. A wall was built to divide the public and private parts of the White House to give the Lincoln family more privacy. Finally, the White House felt more like a family home.
Lincoln’s oldest son, Robert, was away at Harvard College, but his younger sons, Willie and Tad, lived in the White House. They were allowed to roam freely around the home, causing all kinds of mischief.
Willie died, in the house, of typhoid fever in 1862 at the age of 11. His funeral services took place in the Green Room.
Lincoln's Cottage
Following the death of Willie Lincoln, the Lincoln family spent the summers of 1862 – 1864 in a cottage a couple of blocks away from the White House. It is here, at the Soldiers Home, where Mary Lincoln finally found some solace. The tranquil surrounding offered cooler breezes, a relief from the White House protocol, and a place for the family to reflect and heal.
The Gothic-Revival style home was built in 1842 for banker George W. Riggs. The cottage was purchased by the Government in 1851 as a home for veteran soldiers.
Here, Lincoln made some of his most monumental decisions that changed the shape of our nation. He also wrote the Emancipation Proclamation here.
Abraham Lincoln visited the Cottage for the last time on April 13, 1865, the day before he was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater.
Ford's Theater
One of the most iconic Lincoln sites in Washington, DC is Ford’s Theater, the site where the president was assassinated by actor and Confederate-sympathizer, John Wilkes Booth.
On the evening of April 14, 1865, just 5 days after General Lee’s surrender in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln visited Ford’s Theatre to watch the play, Our American Cousin.
Booth was desperate to aid the Confederacy, so he helped devise a plan to kid nap the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State. The plan later evolved to murdering these heads of state.
Booth snuck into the Presidential Balcony and shot Lincoln in the head. Afterwards, he dropped his Deringer pistol and leapt from the balcony onto the stage before fleeing the theater.
After the Lincoln was shot, the family sent for Dr. Gurley, the preacher from New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. He spent most of his visit trying to console Mary Lincoln. When the President finally passed, it was Dr. Gurley who broke the news to Tad Lincoln.
Mary Lincoln gifted Dr. Gurley Lincoln’s top hat. The hat is now on display at the National Museum of American History.
This National Historic Site is composed of four parts: the Museum, Ford’s Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits. We suggest visiting all four locations, as together, they chronicle the story of Lincoln from when he was sworn in as President until the days following his death.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Alongside Ford’s Theater, this is one of the most popular Lincoln sites in Washington, DC.
Although plans for the memorial began shortly after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the monument took more than 50 years for it to be constructed and open to the public. Construction was slowed by World War I and the memorial didn’t open until 1922.
The Lincoln Memorial has been the backdrop for many key points in American history. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech took place on the monuments steps. The memorial was also the site of the Inaugural Celebration for America’s first black President of the United States, Barack Obama.
National Portrait Gallery
In Lincoln’s day, this building served as the U.S. Patent Office. Fun fact: Lincoln himself submitted a patent for a device to lift boats over shoals.
During the Civil War, the building served as a hospital where nurses such as Clara Barton and poet Walt Whitman aided the sick and wounded.
In 1865, more than 4,000 guests flocked to the building’s Great Hall for Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball.
Today, the building houses the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. The Portrait Gallery collection holds portraits of all of the former U.S. Presidents, including Lincoln. The last photograph taken of Lincoln is also housed here.
National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian has a wonderful collection of Lincoln’s personal belongings, many of which are housed at the National Museum of American History. One of their most prized possessions is the top hat Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated.
The National Museum of American history is also where you’ll find Lincoln’s office suit, shawl, pocket watch, a wedge he used to split wood while living in Illinois, the flag from his funeral train, casts of his face and hands, several pieces linked to the conspirators that plotted to kill him, and much more.
National Museum of Health and Medicine
This lesser-known museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, including the bullet that too Lincoln’s life and fragments from his skull. The bullet was found 2/3 of the way into his brain, severing a major vein.
This collection focuses on the the medical treatment he received at the Petersen House, following the fateful incident.
Fort Stevens
Fort Stephens was erected to defend Washington, DC. It was the site of the only battle to take place within the capital. According to many accounts, Lincoln rode out to the fort, while it was under attack, and was briefly under enemy fire. It is believe that this is only the second time in US History where the sitting president came under enemy fire during a war (James Madison was the first during the war of 1812).
There is a marker memorializing Lincoln’s visit to the fort.
Library of Congress
The World’s Largest Library, the Library of Congress, holds many important relics from Lincoln’s time. These include a handwritten draft of the bill to abolish slavery, his first and second inaugural addresses, the two earliest known copies of the Gettysburg Address, and more. The Library also houses a letter of condolences written to Mary Todd Lincoln by Queen Victoria following the assassination.
The Lincoln Papers were gifted by Robert Todd Lincoln, Lincoln’s oldest son. He asked that the papers remain sealed until twenty-one years after Robert Lincoln’s death. The papers were officially opened to the public in 1947.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is the largest urban park in Capitol Hill. The park, maintained by the National Park Service, served as the site of the Lincoln Hospital during the Civil War. During it’s time, it was the largest hospital in the area.
After the Civil War, like most hospitals, it was taken down. In 1867, Congress authorized the grounds to be called Lincoln Square as the first memorial to the former president. This is the first public site to bear Lincoln’s name.
The park features two important sculptures: the Emancipation Memorial and the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial.
The first was created by Thomas Ball in 1876. It was one of the first memorial in Washington to honor the late president. The monument depicts Abraham Lincoln holding a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and freeing a male slave. The statue was funded with wages of free slaves.
The second, is a bronze statue honoring the educator and activity Mary McLeod Bethune. Bethune was a humanitarian who fought for equal rights for women and people of color. She strongly believed that education was the key to closing the gap between whites and people of color. She opened a private school in Daytona Beach, Florida that would later be renamed the Bethune-Cookman University.
Suggested Itinerary
Start your morning at Lincoln’s Waffle Shop, a local restaurant known for their pancakes and waffles. The restaurant is located right next to the Petersen House and Ford’s Theater.
After you’ve had a diner-style breakfast, take a tour of Ford’s Theater. This National Historic Site is composed of four parts: the Museum, the Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits. These sites have exhibits that tell the story of Lincoln’s presidency, his assassination, and the legacy Lincoln left.
Next, stop by the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, where the Lincoln’s often attended. Afterwards, head to The White House to check where the family once called home.
Stop by Lincoln, a super trendy restaurant for a bite of lunch. After lunch, head to the National Portrait Gallery to examine the portraits of our country’s presidents. Then, rest your feet by taking the Metro from Metro Center to Capitol South Station. Up next, visit the Library of Congress to see their impressive collection of Lincoln memorabilia including a letter written to Mary Lincoln from Queen Victoria of England.
Hop back on the Metro at Capitol South Station and take it to the Smithsonian Station. Spend the later afternoon visiting the National Museum of American History.
Wrap up your day by strolling down the National Mall towards the Lincoln Memorial.
While this itinerary may not include all of the sites listed above, it does include the ones that are easily accessible to visitors who are walking or using the Metro. If you have access to a car while in Washington, DC, the other sites will be easy for you to visit.
If you do have access to a car, we suggest visiting the sites in the following order: Lincoln Park, President Lincoln’s Cottage, Fort Stevens, National Museum of Health and Medicine. You can also visit the sites in reverse order, starting at the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Maryland and making your way back toward DC.
Even better, you can always catch an Uber so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of finding a Metro Station!
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