Frederick Douglass National Historic Site - Washington, DC

Address:1411 W Street S.E.
Washington, District of Columbia
Tel: (202) 426-5961

Visit the home of a leading African-American spokesman of the 19th century at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. The nine-acre site preserves the residence of the great orator Frederick Douglass, and offers visitors guided tours of the residence.

Frederick Douglass, known as the "Sage of Anacostia," was an outspoken abolitionist and promoter of the equality of all people. Douglass and his family moved into the house, which he called "Cedar Hill," in 1877. After his death in 1895, his wife founded the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association in 1900. A variety of private groups cared for the house until 1962, when the federal government purchased it and entrusted it to the National Park Service. The house was designated the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in 1988.

The ranger-guided tours of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site include a 17-minute orientation film entitled "Fighter for Freedom" that gives visitors an overview of Douglass's life. The 15-acre grounds of the site are also available for self-guided tours. Visitors are welcome to bring picnic lunches, but eating in the buildings at the site is prohibited.

To get to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, take the Green Line Metro to the Anacostia Metro Station, then take the B2 Metro Bus towards Mt. Rainier and get off at the corner of 14th Street and W Street.

Visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and be inspired by one man's struggle for liberty and justice.