Clara Barton National Historic Site - Glen Echo, Maryland

Address:5801 Oxford Road
Glen Echo, Maryland
Tel: (301) 492-6245

Visit the birthplace of the American Red Cross at the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Maryland. The 9-acre Clara Barton National Historic Site serves to commemorate the life of Clara Barton, famed American nurse who founded the American Red Cross in 1881. Built in 1891, the 38 room residence originally served as both Clara Barton's home and the headquarters of the American Red Cross until Barton resigned as the president of the organization in 1904. Barton continued to live in the house until her death in 1912. In 1974 Congress declared the home the Clara Barton National Historic Site.

Today, the Clara Barton National Historic Site offers tours of the residence and a play based on the life of Clara Barton. Visitors can explore the house with a 45 minute ranger-guided tour or explore Barton's history with a play. The 30-minute play entitled, Clara Barton-The Courage Within, is available at the adjacent Adventure Theatre as part of a three-hour educational experience for youngsters. After their visit to the Clara Barton National Historic Site, visitors can find dozens of restaurants in the Glen Echo area, ranging from pizza to Chinese to Mexican.

To get to the Clara Barton National Historic Site, take I-495 to the Cabin John Parkway and Glen Echo exit (exit 40 coming from Maryland, exit 41 coming from Virginia), then follow the signs on the Clara Barton Parkway to Glen Echo and MacArthur Boulevard. Turn east onto MacArthur Boulevard, then south onto Oxford Road.

Visit the Clara Barton National Historic Site, where the history of American humanitarian efforts comes to life.