Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Park Historic home of Frederick Douglass and abolitionist memorial
Preserved home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass in Washington, D.C., with furnished rooms, exhibits and guided tours. Visitors learn about his life, writings and 19th-century household at Cedar Hill.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the home known as Cedar Hill, the Washington, D.C. residence where Frederick Douglass lived during his final years. The site interprets his life as an African American statesman, abolitionist, and writer.
The historic house retains period rooms and exhibitions that document Douglass’s public career, writings, and family life. The site is managed by the National Park Service and presents guided tours and interpretive programming about Douglass’s legacy.
Cedar Hill stands in the Anacostia area of southeast Washington, D.C., on a raised site that overlooks the Anacostia River and surrounding neighborhoods. The house and grounds are open to visitors according to National Park Service hours.
- Interpretive focus: The site preserves the house, grounds, and interpretive exhibits detailing Frederick Douglass's life, speeches, and role in the abolitionist and civil rights movements.
What to See #
- Cedar Hill (Douglass home): Cedar Hill, the preserved home where Frederick Douglass lived in his later years, is the principal historic structure on the site and contains period rooms and exhibits about his life and abolitionist activities.
How to Get to Frederick Douglass National Historic Site #
From the U Street-Cardozo area take Metro Green/Yellow to U Street, then a short bus or 15-20 minute walk northeast to the Cedar Hill site. Limited on‑site parking is available for private vehicles.
Tips for Visiting Frederick Douglass National Historic Site #
- Arrive for the morning guided tour of Douglass's house - tour sizes are limited and they fill.
- Cross the street to Cedar Hill's grounds for the gravesite and panoramic views of the Potomac.
- Check for seasonal programming around Black History Month and Douglass's birth and death anniversaries.
Best Time to Visit Frederick Douglass National Historic Site #
Spring and autumn are best for weather and fuller programming; book tours in advance.
Weather & Climate near Frederick Douglass National Historic Site #
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1054 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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