Beyond Monticello and Mount Vernon

12 other historic house museums in Virginia, Maryland and the District

5 Seconds

00:00

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in the District was owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post and includes art collections and 25 acres of gardens.: Businesswoman and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post bought the majestic estate near Rock Creek Park in 1955 and filled it with decorative arts. It opened to the public as a museum in 1977, four years after Post’s death, and is famous for its orchids and Faberge eggs.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.preservationnation.org/travel-and-sites/sites/southern-region/woodrow-wilson-house.html#.UNYWmOTH7JI'>The Woodrow Wilson House in the District was where the former president lived after he left office.</a>: During his second term as president, Wilson bought a home on Embassy Row, sight unseen. (It had come highly recommended by First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson.) The Wilsons moved in on Warren G. Harding’s inauguration day, in 1921, and President Wilson died in the house less than three years later.

The Woodrow Wilson House in the District was where the former president lived after he left office.: During his second term as president, Wilson bought a home on Embassy Row, sight unseen. (It had come highly recommended by First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson.) The Wilsons moved in on Warren G. Harding’s inauguration day, in 1921, and President Wilson died in the house less than three years later.

Todd A. Smith

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.surratt.org/'>The Surratt House in Prince George's County was the home of Mary Surratt, who was a conspirator in the assasination of President Abraham Lincoln.</a>: John Wilkes Booth stopped at the Prince George’s County home (which was also a place of business) on his way out of Washington, on the night he’d shot Abraham Lincoln. Owner Mary Surratt was convicted of being a co-conspirator in the assassination and was hanged less than three months after the president’s death.

The Surratt House in Prince George's County was the home of Mary Surratt, who was a conspirator in the assasination of President Abraham Lincoln.: John Wilkes Booth stopped at the Prince George’s County home (which was also a place of business) on his way out of Washington, on the night he’d shot Abraham Lincoln. Owner Mary Surratt was convicted of being a co-conspirator in the assassination and was hanged less than three months after the president’s death.

Tim Sloan / The Washington Post

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.berkeleyplantation.com/'>Berkeley Plantation is in Virginia where English colonists settled along the James River and held one of the earliest recorded Thanksgiving celebrations. The three-story Georgian home was the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison. 'Taps' was even composed at Berkeley 150 years ago during the Civil War.</a>: English colonists settled the land on the banks of the James River in 1619. The 1726 Georgian-style mansion was the birthplace of Declaration of Independence signer Benjamin Harrison V and his son, William Henry Harrison, who became the ninth president of the United States. 'Taps' was also composed there during the Civil War, when troops used the Virginia land as a Union base.

Berkeley Plantation is in Virginia where English colonists settled along the James River and held one of the earliest recorded Thanksgiving celebrations. The three-story Georgian home was the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison. "Taps" was even composed at Berkeley 150 years ago during the Civil War.: English colonists settled the land on the banks of the James River in 1619. The 1726 Georgian-style mansion was the birthplace of Declaration of Independence signer Benjamin Harrison V and his son, William Henry Harrison, who became the ninth president of the United States. "Taps" was also composed there during the Civil War, when troops used the Virginia land as a Union base.

/ VTC

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.flaghouse.org/'>The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore was the home of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired the writing of the national anthem.</a>: The 1793 house is where Mary Pickersgill sewed the flag that flew over nearby Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. Her great garrison flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore was the home of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired the writing of the national anthem.: The 1793 house is where Mary Pickersgill sewed the flag that flew over nearby Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. Her great garrison flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.stratfordhall.org'>Stratford Hall is Gen. Robert E. Lee's birthplace on Virginia's Northern Neck peninsula</a>: The Northern Neck plantation is best-known as the birthplace of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. But it was home to four generations of Lees, including Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, signers of the Declaration of Independence. The former also served as the 12 president of the Continental Congress.

Stratford Hall is Gen. Robert E. Lee's birthplace on Virginia's Northern Neck peninsula: The Northern Neck plantation is best-known as the birthplace of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. But it was home to four generations of Lees, including Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, signers of the Declaration of Independence. The former also served as the 12 president of the Continental Congress.

RICHARD CHEEK / AP

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.sotterley.org/'>Sotterley Plantation in St. Mary's County, Md., features a plantation house from the early 1700s and a restored slave cabin.</a>: The early-18th Century plantation on the Patuxent River was the home of George Plater III, who served in the Continental Congress and was Maryland’s sixth governor. The site later held one of the largest communities of enslaved African Americans in Southern Maryland.

Sotterley Plantation in St. Mary's County, Md., features a plantation house from the early 1700s and a restored slave cabin.: The early-18th Century plantation on the Patuxent River was the home of George Plater III, who served in the Continental Congress and was Maryland’s sixth governor. The site later held one of the largest communities of enslaved African Americans in Southern Maryland.

Dudley M. Brooks - The Washington Post

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.nps.gov/clba/historyculture/index.htm'>The Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Md., was where the Red Cross founder lived at the end of her life.</a>: Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and tended to official business at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland. The house is the centerpiece of the first National Historic Site ever dedicated to the accomplishments of an American woman.

The Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Md., was where the Red Cross founder lived at the end of her life.: Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and tended to official business at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland. The house is the centerpiece of the first National Historic Site ever dedicated to the accomplishments of an American woman.

Tom Allen / The Washington Post

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.montpelier.org/'>Montpelier in Virginia is President James Madison's sprawling estate at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.</a>: The roots of the U.S. Constitution can be traced to the upstairs study at Montpelier, where James Madison researched political thought before drafting the Virginia Plan. The Founder lived at the family estate in Orange County when he was young, and again as an adult, both before and after his presidency, with wife Dolley. The sprawling property was eventually purchased by members of the duPont family, who made extensive changes to the house. A $25 million restoration project brought it back to Madison’s retirement years.

Montpelier in Virginia is President James Madison's sprawling estate at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.: The roots of the U.S. Constitution can be traced to the upstairs study at Montpelier, where James Madison researched political thought before drafting the Virginia Plan. The Founder lived at the family estate in Orange County when he was young, and again as an adult, both before and after his presidency, with wife Dolley. The sprawling property was eventually purchased by members of the duPont family, who made extensive changes to the house. A $25 million restoration project brought it back to Madison’s retirement years.

SUZANNE CARR ROSSI / AP

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm'>Cedar Hill in the District was the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.</a>: Perched on a hill above the Anacostia River in southeast Washington, the 19th Century mansion was the final home of Frederick Douglass. The famous abolitionist wrote “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass” at Cedar Hill and died there in 1895. It is now the centerpiece of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Cedar Hill in the District was the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.: Perched on a hill above the Anacostia River in southeast Washington, the 19th Century mansion was the final home of Frederick Douglass. The famous abolitionist wrote “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass” at Cedar Hill and died there in 1895. It is now the centerpiece of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Andrea Bruce Woodall - The Washington Post

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://dumbartonhouse.org/'>Dumbarton House in the District is dedicated to the Federal period and was the residence of Joseph Nourse, the first register of the Treasury.</a>: The Federal period home in Georgetown belonged to Joseph Nourse, America’s first Register of the Treasury. First Lady Dolley Madison was sheltered there in 1814, when she fled the White House as invading British troops approached Washington. It is now a house museum as well as the headquarters of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.

Dumbarton House in the District is dedicated to the Federal period and was the residence of Joseph Nourse, the first register of the Treasury.: The Federal period home in Georgetown belonged to Joseph Nourse, America’s first Register of the Treasury. First Lady Dolley Madison was sheltered there in 1814, when she fled the White House as invading British troops approached Washington. It is now a house museum as well as the headquarters of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.gunstonhall.org/'>Gunston Hall in Virginia was the home of George Mason, one of the Founding Fathers.</a>: George Mason IV, the Founder who drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights and refused to sign the Constitution, lived in this 1750s plantation home in Mason Neck. He died at Gunston in 1792.

Gunston Hall in Virginia was the home of George Mason, one of the Founding Fathers.: George Mason IV, the Founder who drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights and refused to sign the Constitution, lived in this 1750s plantation home in Mason Neck. He died at Gunston in 1792.

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

A police forensics officer investigates a crime scene where one man was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 22, 2013. British Prime Minister David Cameron has called a meeting of his government's emergency Cobra security committee after the killing of a man in south London, his office said on Wednesday. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Terrorism cited in London cleaver attack

Two assailants hacked to death a man reported to be a British soldier on a busy East London street Wednesday afternoon before delivering an apparent...

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Statues on display on the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in The Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on May 21, 2013 in London, England. The Chelsea Flower Show run by the RHS celebrates its 100th birthday this year. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Photos of the day

Chelsea Flower Show, face transplant in Poland, Oklahoma residents cope with tornado aftermath and more.

MOORE, OK - MAY 22: A street of tornado destructed homes is reflected on a puddle of water on May 22, 2013 in Moore, Ok. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

Assessing tornado damage in Oklahoma

Amid great destruction, residents of the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore begin to assess the severity of the twister that hit Monday.

WASHINGTON DC: MAY 22
Contestant Travis Rumans, 31 dances with his beloved glow sticks for talent at Penn Social in Washington, DC on May 22, 2013. The contestants help raise over $15,000 for the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
The Mr. DC pageant is a fundraising event to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
The qualifications for the Mr. District of Columbia finalists is that they must live, work and attend school in the District of Columbia between the ages of 21-30 who are unmarried, intelligent, and dapper in a suit.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Mr. D.C. Pageant contestants compete for charity

Contestants in the Mr. D.C. Pageant, a fundraising event, helped raise more than $15,000 for the Children’s National Medical Center.

ANNAPOLIS, MD - MAY 20: The Herndon Monument Climb is the traditional culmination of plebe year at the United States Naval Academy. The plebes climb to the top of the lard-covered 21 foot high monument and remove the 'dixie cup' hat at the top replacing it with an upperclassman's hat. After completing this, the freshmen are called 'fourth class midshipmen.' This class completed the task in 1 hour 32 minutes and 43 seconds. The hat was placed by Patrick Lien from Orlando. (Photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

The Herndon Climb

The Herndon Monument climb is the traditional culmination of plebe year at the U.S. Naval Academy.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 21: Ken Marino, Erica Oyama, Ben Stiller, Chris Harrison, and Mike Rosenstein aceept the Webby Award for 'Burning Love' at the 17th Annual Webby Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on May 21, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Webby Awards)

Eye on entertainment

Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Emma Stone, 2 Chainz, Tyrese Gibson, Susan Boyle and more.

This combination of Associated Press photos shows left, a neighborhood in Moore, Okla., in ruins on Tuesday, May 4, 1999, after a tornado flattened many houses and buildings in central Oklahoma, and right, flattened houses in Moore on Monday, May 20, 2013. Monday's powerful tornado in suburban Oklahoma City loosely followed the path of a killer twister that slammed the region in May 1999. (AP Photo)

Okla. tornado loosely followed path of 1999 twister

Monday’s powerful tornado in suburban Oklahoma City loosely followed the path of a killer twister that slammed the area in May 1999.

A Burrowing owl tries to perch on a protective rope in a public park in Cooper City, Fla. Monday, May 20, 2013 as rain falls. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Animal views

Fun and fascinating creatures around the world.

Back to Previous Gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.