Lincoln's Cottage

In January, I bought a coupon for Lincoln's Cottage. Well, I expired on Labor Day, so the 21st of August, we drove down to DC and took the tour. Lincoln's Cottage is located on the same property as the Armed Forces Retirement Home, which is one of the highest points in DC. The height made it a cooler spot, especially compared to the swampy region near the White House. Lincoln moved to the cottage in the the summer of 1862. He came to the cottage to escape the heat and humidity of the summer and the political pressure of DC. He also went up to DC to mourn the loss of his son, Willie, who died of a fever in February of 1862. While at the cottage, it is said that Lincoln drafted the Emancipation Proclamation.

Lincoln went to the cottage to get away but since he was President during such a turbulent time, he rode to the White House every day, 3 1/2 miles each way. Often Lincoln would wake up early and would leave before his guard. He would often stop and visit with refugees along the way.

This is the cottage. We took a tour on the inside with tour guide who told us interesting antidotes of President Lincoln and his family.

They did not allow photography on the inside but the interior was furnished with "ideas" of Lincoln rather than actually artifacts.

Jon on the grounds.

Cottage and Armed Forces Hospital

Armed Forces Hospital

Before Arlington, those who died in combat during the Civil War were buried here. Lincoln often watched these burials occur. Arlington National Cemetery was not purchased until 1864.

I love this bench.

As the property is also home to the Armed Forces Retirement Home, all branches of the Armed Forces are represented. This is Army.

Navy

Air Force

Henry Wilson"s Tomb. He was Grant's Vice President.

The squirrels on the property were very friendly. I think the residents feed them.

They would come right up to Jon.

This is the back view of the Cottage.

This is a close up from the front. (Can you see Jon?)

This is the statue out front.

Me and President Lincoln.

Front of the Cottage with Lincoln Statue to the left.

This was a fun trip. We learned a lot about Lincoln and his presidency. Lincoln was a man who observed and changed his personal opinions based upon those observations. He is a man that we could learn from.