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

Inscription. 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 in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Old Soldiers Home. Marker can be reached from Lincoln Drive Northwest north of Upshur Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north. Marker

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is on the lawn off the circle drive at the north side entrance to the President's Cottage, east of the main entrance to the Armed Forces Retirement Home compound which is at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Road and Upshur Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 140 Rock Creek Church Road Northwest, Washington DC 20011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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); This Pine Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint Paul's Church Rain Garden (approx. ¼ mile 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). 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.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 22, 2009

2. President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home Marker

(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.)

Additional keywords. Ivan Schwartz (Studio EIS founder and director); Anderson Cottage.

President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home, north side image. Click for full size.

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.

President Lincoln's Cottage, view from south lawn image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 22, 2009

4. President Lincoln's Cottage, view from south lawn

Abraham Lincoln and His Horse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 30, 2019

5. Abraham Lincoln and His Horse

Statue by StudioEIS

Abraham Lincoln image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 30, 2019

6. Abraham Lincoln

Statue by StudioEIS.

Robert H. Smith image. Click for full size.

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

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 2,286 times since then and 51 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.