Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
National Historic Site ยท District of Columbia
NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
House and grounds in Washington, D.C.
The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, administered by the National Park Service, is located at 1411 W Street, SE, in Anacostia, a neighborhood east of the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, D.C. United States. Established in 1988 as a National Historic Site, the site preserves the home and estate of Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent African Americans of the 19th century. Douglass lived in this house, which he named Cedar Hill, from 1877โ1878 until his death in 1895. Perched on a hilltop, the site offers a sweeping view of the U.S. Capitol and the Washington, D.C., skyline.
About Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
The historic house is open for guided tours at scheduled times Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season, and reservations are strongly encouraged. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Frederick Douglass National Historic Site?
Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $1.00. The guided tour includes the upper and lower floors of the home and provides an intimate window into the life of Frederick Douglass. Space on each tour is limited. You are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to secure your spot on a tour. While walk-ins without a reservation are permitted if space is available, tours are frequently completely full well in advance. Plan ahead and reserve your tour today!
What are the best activities at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site?
Popular activities at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site include: Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.
What is the weather like at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site?
Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.
How do I get to Frederick Douglass National Historic Site?
The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information. There is parking on site.
Entrance Fees
The guided tour includes the upper and lower floors of the home and provides an intimate window into the life of Frederick Douglass. Space on each tour is limited. You are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to secure your spot on a tour. While walk-ins without a reservation are permitted if space is available, tours are frequently completely full well in advance. Plan ahead and reserve your tour today!
Weather
Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.
Directions
The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information. There is parking on site.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in District of Columbia
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