The Post has an interesting article about Lincoln’s Cottage, the president’s former “country” getaway within the bounds of the Old Soldiers’ Home. At the time, the area was truly in the country, as the city did not stretch much beyond Florida Avenue (which was then the city boundary, and named Boundary Road.)
Tours, which began in 2008, are $15 and sound pretty fascinating: for example, the Post mentions a possible assassination attempt in 1862 on the way to the house, which is located at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, a few blocks from the Georgia Ave Metro. (I wonder if the President would have frequented nearby Slash Run or the Hitching Post on Upshur if they were around then?)
There’s all kinds of upcoming events too: along with tours, there’s a play, a forum about Lincoln’s ideas, and something called “Bluegrass and Bourbon” in May, which sounds pretty great. The Soldiers Home (officially the Armed Forces Retirement Home) also has really nice grounds, and is a great spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
If you haven’t been, check it out. A cool little history gem right in our neighborhood.
Photo by Eric Langhorst
