Cedar Hill is the last home of former slave, author, orator, publisher, abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, he never knew his mother, and it goes without saying that he lived in extreme poverty. He died a free man, with a home that boast impressive views of the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.. One can see The Capitol Building and the Washington Monument while lolling in the rocking chairs on the front porch.
On display are some his belongings. Including Abraham Lincoln’s cane given by Mrs. Lincoln after the assassination, several of his hats, tons of books, and a leather rocking chair by the people of Haiti.
Travel tips for visiting Cedar Hill:
- Go in the early part of your day. Cedar Hill is located outside of the DC city center in what most would consider a rough neighborhood. I didn’t feel unsafe, but personally I wouldn’t want to be caught there after dark. I’m just saying.
- Take the guided tour for an enhanced experienced.
- Hire a car or a taxi that will wait or come back to pick you up. Getting a taxi to come to this neighborhood after the fact was a nightmare.
Click on the image to enlarge. 🙂

I have been there and can attest to the beauty the estate. Frederick Douglass was a great man and did well for himself and did not forget the ones that were less fortunate. A great American indeed
A great American indeed.
Just to think that I was visiting history. When I step into his house, I could not believe that I was actually in Frederick Douglas’s house. I was speechless for awhile. This was my high lite of my visit to Washington.
I just waould like to say…I don’t when was the last time you came to DC but to say that you wouldn;t want to be caught dead there after dark is a trip. I am a DC resident to the MAX and for anyone to come here and try to trash my hometown is a nono. I would love to see where you live at.
Do me a favor a go visit somewhere like OVERSEAS and see how say you bum ass feels!
Chow sister
Calm down. Every city has its “not so safe” areas. Number one, we couldn’t get a taxi to even come to the area, number two my aunt who lives in D.C. feels the same way, and number three, I do live overseas. Cheers!!
“wouldn’t be caught dead” seems like an insensitive choice of words, regardless of the neighborhood’s crime rate
So.
So? Ok Ms. Judgmental….I wouldn’t be caught dead in a country that implements the death penalty for a wide range of offences including false prophecy, blasphemy, apostasy, witchcraft and sorcery and can be carried out by beheading with a sword, or by firing squad, and sometimes by stoning. A country such as SAUDI ARABIA.
OK