There is a lot of presidential history in Washington, DC. Every president since John Adams, our second president has lived here!
So if you're coming to the nation's capital looking to learn more about one of our past presidents, here are some great ways to do that.
1. Lincoln Assassination Tour & Ford’s Theater
You’ve heard the story or at least the highlights. You can visit the site of Lincoln's Assassination, Ford's Theatre during the day as a historic site or in the evening for a play.
Take a tour to learn so much more about the last day of Abraham Lincoln’s life.
2. Woodrow Wilson House & National Cathedral
A beautiful, well-maintained slice of history, the Woodrow Wilson House is a hidden treasure of Washington D.C.
Not so hidden is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, better known as the National Cathedral, a familiar part of the city skyline and where Wilson is laid to rest.
3. National Portrait Gallery Presidential Collection
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the Portrait Gallery lets you glimpse the nation’s elected leaders from its beginning.
Through these images, you can also see changing times, fashions, and even changing ways in which we view ourselves.
This is one of our favorite museums, you can read more about it here.
4. Lincoln’s Cottage
A summer home of President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Lincoln, this was a place where they could get away from the heat and the pressure of the city center.
It’s also where President Lincoln wrote an early draft of the Emancipation Proclamation.
5. White House Visitor Center
See artifacts from the White House Collection, enjoy a 14-minute film, and get that perfect White House gift in the shop.
Read more about the White House Visitor Center here.
6. Presidential Memorials
There are several iconic presidential memorials that are easy to find right on or near the National Mall.
If you want to find Theodore Roosevelt’s however, you’ll need to embrace his “strenuous life” and take a walk around Theodore Roosevelt Island, a bit of nature kept close to the city.
We go into detail about presidential memorials here.
7. Arlington National Cemetery
This cemetery is the final resting place for many of the United States citizens who were called to serve. It is a place to honor and contemplate the sacrifices made for the nation, with two Presidents buried on its grounds.
8. Mount Vernon
The family home of George Washington, this preserved and restored slice of early American history is a wonderful glimpse into the life and times of our first president. Thanks to amazing work done in recent years, the site explores some of the deep scars of our nation, as well.
Read more about Mount Vernon and how to get tickets on our post.
