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In and around the
Washington metro area you will find many historic homes. Step
back in time when visiting these great homes filled with
American History.
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Old Stone House
3051
M Street, NW
The
oldest home in Washington, this 1795 Georgetown house is
furnished with pieces from the 1765-1810 period. It is
surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Photo
credit: National Park Service (Paul Goldner)
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Georgetown
Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, West of Rock Creek Park
A
vibrant hub of nightclubs, restaurants, specialty
stores, boutiques and restored homes, Georgetown was a
commercial center during the colonial period. Located
here are the Old Stone House, the C&O Canal, historic
St. John’s Church, Georgetown University and Dumbarton
Oaks. A stroll down the streets of Georgetown offers a
lively mix of sightseeing, dining and shopping.
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Octagon House
1799
New York Avenue, NW
Eight
sides make this Washington landmark an architectural and
historical treasure. Built in 1800 by Dr. William
Thornton, who also designed the Capitol Building, the
Octagon House once served as a temporary residence for
President James Madison. The White House, at the time,
was being repaired following the war of 1812. A
donation is suggested.
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Gunston Hall
Mount
Vernon, Va
The
Colonial plantation home of George Mason, the Father of
the Bill of Rights, is famous for both architectural
beauty and historical associations. At this house Mason
met with his friends Washington, Jefferson and Madison.
It is located near Mount Vernon and overlooks the
Potomac River. The plantation is surrounded by 550 of
the original 5,000 acres and was complete with
outbuildings, formal gardens and a deer park. Stroll
along scenic nature trails or watch the 17-minute film
at the Visitor’s Center. Admission is charged.
Photo
credit: Kim Brown
http://www.look.net/gunstonhall/group
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Decatur House
1610
H Street, NW
The home
of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a naval hero of the War of
1812, is an example of the Federalist style of
architecture and furnishings. Admission by donation
only.
credit: Marler
http://www.decaturhouse.org
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Woodrow Wilson House
2340
S Street, NW
The life
and times of President Woodrow Wilson are captured in
this National Historic Landmark. The red brick Georgian
Revival town house is rich with mementos of Wilson’s
historic career and is Washington’s only Presidential
museum. Admission.
Photo
credit: Woodrow Wilson House
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Mount Vernon
George Washington Parkway, Alexandria, Va
George
Washington’s estate, overlooking the Potomac River, has
been restored to its 18th century colonial grandeur.
The mansion, slave quarters, stables and the tomb of
our first President and Mrs. Washington are among the
points of special interest. Mount Vernon is surrounded
by formal gardens designed by George Washington himself.
Located
on the banks of the Potomac River, Mt. Vernon offers a
spectacular view from its veranda. Admission is
charged.
http://www.mountvernon.org
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Old Town Alexandria
221
King Street (Visitor Center)
Old Town
is known as the hometown of George Washington and Robert
E. Lee. Alexandria was founded as a seaport by Scottish
merchants in 1749. Today, Old Town is a thriving
national landmark with shops and restaurants located in
restored 18th and 19th century buildings and colonial
homes that line the cobblestone streets. Points of
interest include the Old Presbyterian Church Meeting
House, Christ Church, Gadsby’s Tavern, the Carlyle House
and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Photo
credit: Old Town Alexandria
http://ci.alexandria.va.us
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