Old Soldiers Home in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home
— A National Trust Historic Site —
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 22, 2009
1. President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home Marker
President Lincoln and his family lived in this country home for over a quarter of his presidency. Escorted by his cavalry guard, Lincoln rode to the White House every morning either on horseback or by carriage, and returned here each evening to rejoin his family and friends, meet with visitors and colleagues and reflect on military strategy and emancipation. This sculpture captures a moment in his daily life during those years.Dedicated February 12, 2009 in recognition of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.
Made possible by the generosity of Robert H. Smith.
Sculpture by Studio EIS, Brooklyn, NY
Erected 2009.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 12, 1863.
Location. 38° 56.51′ N, 77° 0.704′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U. S. Soldiers' Home (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Memorial Day Order (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Winfield Scott (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Paul's Episcopal (approx. 0.3 miles away); Grant Circle was named in honor of Ulysses S. Grant (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Civil War Defenses of Washington (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
More about this marker. Built initially in 1843 by the banker George Washington Riggs as a summer cottage for his family, it was a part of the first parcel acquired by the U.S. Military Asylum. Renamed Anderson Cottage for co-founder Major Robert Anderson it housed the first residents of the home. It is now known as President Lincoln's Cottage. The brick house has a stucco exterior.
Also see . . .
1. President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home. (Submitted on September 22, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. President Lincoln and Soldiers' Home National Monument. (Submitted on September 22, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 22, 2009
2. President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home Marker
Additional keywords. Ivan Schwartz (Studio EIS founder and director); Anderson Cottage.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 22, 2009
3. President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home, north side
with statue of President Lincoln and his mount (by StudioEIS, Brooklyn, NY) at left.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 22, 2009
4. President Lincoln's Cottage, view from south lawn
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 30, 2019
5. Abraham Lincoln and His Horse
Statue by StudioEIS
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 30, 2019
6. Abraham Lincoln
Statue by StudioEIS.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 30, 2019
7. Robert H. Smith
“Robert H. Smith, for whom this building is named, was a philanthropist with a passion for American history. A visionary real estate developer, he created Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia and touched every part of the Nation's Capital.
Mr. Smith always said that he was a ‘grateful American’ because this country had been good to him and he wanted to give something back that was tangible. He believed that each new generation could absorb the history and ideals of America from teachers who were innovative and exciting.
Here at President Lincoln's Cottage, Robert H. Smith's generosity made possible the restoration of Abraham Lincoln's beloved retreat, the establishment of this Visitor Education Center, and the commission of the bronze statue of Lincoln and his horse on the Cottage Lawn.”Close-up of photo in Visitor Education Center
Mr. Smith always said that he was a ‘grateful American’ because this country had been good to him and he wanted to give something back that was tangible. He believed that each new generation could absorb the history and ideals of America from teachers who were innovative and exciting.
Here at President Lincoln's Cottage, Robert H. Smith's generosity made possible the restoration of Abraham Lincoln's beloved retreat, the establishment of this Visitor Education Center, and the commission of the bronze statue of Lincoln and his horse on the Cottage Lawn.”
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,201 times since then and 76 times this year. Last updated on February 19, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 22, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 1, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
