Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, also known as Cedar Hill, is an elevated mansion with views of the United States Capitol. The property displays living spaces, work areas, and grounds that reflect how the household functioned in the late 1800s.

Douglass moved to the estate in 1877 and lived there until 1895, turning it into a place for important civil rights discussions. His time there marked the shift from a private home to a center for social thinking and reform.

The home holds personal belongings of the Douglass family, from books to furniture from the 1800s. Visitors can see how the family lived and what items Douglass kept around him daily.

Visitors should reserve ahead to book guided tours through the house and grounds. The property is relatively compact and can be explored in a few hours, with the city views from its elevated position being worth the walk up.

The Growlery, a small stone building on the grounds, was Douglass's personal writing room where he withdrew to work and think. This simple retreat reveals how a thinker shaped his ideas in a quiet space separate from the main house.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Part of: National Capital Parks-East

Address: 1411 W Street, SE

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00

Website: https://nps.gov/frdo

GPS coordinates: 38.86330,-76.98530

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:54