Wonkette
Fearing the tourist mobs on the Mall but needing a national monument fix? Head to the mysterious land of Petworth, home to Abraham Lincoln’s famous Washington cottage!
The Cottage — actually a 34-room mansion — was the First Family’s second home for several years during the Civil War. And it only opened as a museum 15 months ago, so it’s almost new. Abe used to commute down the hill to the White House on horseback.
In honor of the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth, a new Honest Abe exhibit just opened last week. Beyond touring the “most significant historic site directly associated with Lincoln’s presidency aside from the White House,” you can interactively explore his Toughest Decisions at the Education Center on site. This is where Abe reportedly wrote the Emancipation Proclamation — kind of a big deal.
For Civil War buffs, there are also interesting exhibits about life during wartime in Washington, when DC was “still considered provincial” and invasions from Virginia were a constant threat.
Although the Cottage is a National Monument, it’s operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. They charge $12 for tickets (which should be purchased in advance) and it’s open from 9:30AM to 4:30PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:30AM to 5:30PM on Sunday. Be sure locate to find the life-size statue of Lincoln in order to ogle his freakishly large, uh, hands! [President Lincoln's Cottage]
Wha happen?
I wuz readin’ Wonkette, now I’m in this strange, blue, un-american place…
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Also.
-SP
Thanks Elizabeth! I grew up in Frederick, so the next time I’m back in DC, I’m totally visiting this. Assuming I don’t get lost somewhere south of the Anacostia…
“invasions from Virginia were a constant threat”. Fortunately, the Long Bridge was guarded.
BTW, if you ask your browser to view the image of the house alone (above), it’s actually big, and you can see a nekked lady through the window taking a shower. OK maybe not the last part.
Wonkabout?
I need more brandy for my coffee and take the day off.
Oh, forgot I’m underemployed.
I read “Our Grestest President” and thought Barack has a summer home in Crawford? How Elitist!
Teh Kool-Aid. I’ve been drinkin’ it.
This is where he would send Mary Todd to get her out of his hair (or maybe stovepipe hat?) on weekdays. After DC started encroaching on the surrounding countryside, FDR had to invent Camp David so he could get some time with his various secretaries and other cousins.
If that’s a cottage, I guess I live in the little shoebox in back of the closet. What a librul elitist that Lincoln guy musta been. I resent him for his presidential privileges and feel there should be an investigation. He was a Republican, but he was really a Democrat. By the way, do we KNOW he was actually an American citizen? If not, that whole slave thing he did is totally invalid.
My right-wingnut in-laws are 17X crazier than this. My wife’s going to a reunion with them soon in Florida. We’re shipping her Prozac out via Fedex bulk. I had “other engagements,” such as laying on the couch and eating chips.
More proof that as soon as you have the bling to afford a summer house, you are likely to be shot in the head by some malcontent.
If you do head to the museum, there are now some great places to eat in Petworth. Just head-up Upshur St and you’ve got some good options.
Since Lincoln was a Republican, I assume that by “cottage,” you mean “gay sex retreat.”
Also, when DC was “still considered provincial”? Still? Also.