Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Tours

Douglass purchased Cedar Hill, the 8.5-acre property, in 1877 and lived there for 18 years. The site includes the main house, gardens, and extensive collections of his personal effects. During his time there, he served as U.S. Minister to Haiti and U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia. He continued writing and speaking out for human rights until his death in 1895.

Guided tours walk you through rooms where Douglass lived and worked. A reconstructed one-room building called the Growlery sits on the grounds. Douglass used it as a retreat where he could work and think in solitude. The Douglass Library Collection holds books, pamphlets, rare photograph albums, and two bound volumes of The North Star, the abolitionist newspaper he published himself. Many volumes bear his signature or personal bookplate.

This site is day-use only and operated by the National Park Service. Camping is not allowed. You will need to arrange lodging elsewhere in Washington, DC or nearby areas. The site requires advance reservations for tours. Check the National Park Service website for current tour availability, hours, and any entry fees.