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Visitors take photos in front of a historic house Photo: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

National Historic Site · District of Columbia

Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality.

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationWashington, DC
  • Entrance $1 timed entry reservation - location
  • HoursToday: Closed
  • Weather now61°F Overcast
  • Alerts No active alerts

Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity.

Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.

Topics
  • Abolition Movement
  • African American Heritage
  • Civil Rights
  • Civil War
  • Enslavement
  • Incarceration
  • Reconstruction
  • Social Movements
2 more topics
  • Voting Rights and Suffrage
  • Wars and Conflicts
A tiny stone cabin surrounded by fall foliage
Frederick Douglass retreated to this stone cabin to read, write, and think in seclusion. — NPS Photo / Nate Johnson

Things to Do

7 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

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Facilities & Services

Find tours, tickets, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Tours & Tickets

  • Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Tours

    Ticket Facility

    The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the home and legacy of Frederick Douglass, a runaway slave, abolitionist, civil rights advocate, author and…

    Book tickets on Recreation.gov 1411 W Street, SE, Washington, DC 202-426-5961 Directions

    Details

    Overview:

    The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the home and legacy of Frederick Douglass, a runaway slave, abolitionist, civil rights advocate, author and statesman.

    In 2018, the historic site will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Douglass. The anniversary will be celebrated with special events and programs throughout the year.

    Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to spend his life fighting for justice and equality for all people. His life was a testament to courage and persistence, serving as an inspiration to all those who struggle for the cause of liberty and justice. Visitors to the site learn about his efforts to abolish slavery and his struggle to ensure the basic rights of all Americans.

    The Douglass site covers 8.5 acres known as Cedar Hill, an area that includes the main house, gardens and an extensive collection of personal effects that both captivate and educate visitors about Douglass and his family.

    Douglass moved to Cedar Hill in 1877 and lived there for 18 years. During that time, he served as U.S. Minister to Haiti and U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia, continuing to write about and speak out for human rights and equality until his death on February 20, 1895.

    A highlight for many visitors is a reconstruction of Frederick Douglass' "Growlery." It was a one room building with a stove, bed, and desk where Douglass could retreat to work and "growl" when he was in the mood.

    Another popular draw to the site is The Douglass Library Collection. The collection includes books, monographs, pamphlets, serials, record books, bound government documents, rare photograph albums, and two bound volumes of The North Star, an abolitionist newspaper that Douglass published himself. Many volumes are signed by Douglass or bear his personal bookplate.

    Visitors to Cedar Hill won't be disappointed by this historic site honoring the legacy of one of the most famous 19th century African Americans.

    Summary of Fees - Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Tours

Visitor Centers

  • The Visitor Center at Frederick Douglass NHS

    Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center

    Visitor Center

    The Visitor Center of the Frederick Douglass NHS is located at the bottom of the hill near the parking lot. Inside of the Visitor Center you will find staff who can…

    (771) 208-1499 Directions

    Details
    The Visitor Center of the Frederick Douglass NHS is located at the bottom of the hill near the parking lot. Inside of the Visitor Center you will find staff who can facilitate your visit, a bookstore run by America's National Parks, handicap accessible restrooms, a water fountain, exhibits and historic objects, as well as a theater with seating, where a 20 minute closed-captioned film on the life of Frederick Douglass is played.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Today: Closed · Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Hours details
  • Frederick Douglass National Historic SiteToday: Closed

    The historic house is open for guided tours at scheduled times Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season, and reservations are strongly encouraged. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.

    MondayClosed
    Tuesday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Wednesday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Thursday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Friday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Saturday9:00AM - 4:30PM
    SundayClosed

Entrance fees

  • $1Timed Entry Reservation - Location
Fee details
  • Timed Entry Reservation - Location$1

    The guided tour includes the upper and lower floors of the home and provides an intimate window into the life of Frederick Douglass. Space on each tour is limited. You are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to secure your spot on a tour. While walk-ins without a reservation are permitted if space is available, tours are frequently completely full well in advance. Plan ahead and reserve your tour today!

Address

1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

61°F
Overcast · feels like 59°
  • Today 74° 60°
    Overcast
    81% rain
  • Tomorrow 83° 57°
    Sunny
    19% rain
  • Wednesday 89° 64°
    Sunny
    36% rain

Updated 5 hr ago

What to expect by season

Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.

Photos

  • View of downtown Washington, D.C., including the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol
    Frederick Douglass's view from Cedar Hill continues to impress visitors today. — NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
  • A plaster bust of Frederick Douglass
  • A park ranger gestures to a group of people outside the Frederick Douglass home.

Getting There

1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020

The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information.

Full directions

There is parking on site.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: 1411 W Street SE, Washington, DC 20020

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