Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

The Frederick Douglass national historic Site is located in a neighborhood east of the Anacostia River in Washington DC. The site was established in 1988 as a site that preserves the home and estate of Frederick Douglass who was a prominent African American in the 19th Century. Douglass named the house Cedar Hill which has sweeping views of the US Capitol and the skyline of Washington.

The main house was built in the early 1860s by John Van Hook, the house was then owned by the Freedom Savings and Trust Company until purchased by Douglass in late 1877. Douglass then expanded the house from 14 rooms to 21 rooms; this included a two-story library and kitchen wings. The house is in an 'L' shape.

A memorial was founded by Douglass' widow Helen after his death, she also founded the historical association and in 1916 the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs joined the association that year. The house was taken over by the federal government in 1962 through the National Park Service who will restore and preserve the house.

Also located at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is an interpretive center along with Douglass's 'growlery', this is a small stone building where Douglass spent much of his time secluded while writing and studying.