Designed in 1818 by Benjamin Latrobe for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife Susan, this brick building holds the honor of being the first and last house on Lafayette Sq to be occupied as a private residence. It's also one of the few urban residences in the US retaining slave quarters (in this case built in 1836). The White House Historical Association runs one-hour free guided tours of the house at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm on Mondays.
Decatur House
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
13.5 MILES
One of America's most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington.
1.29 MILES
The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…
1.16 MILES
Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…
0.98 MILES
Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…
National Museum of African American History & Culture
0.68 MILES
Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African…
1.72 MILES
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
0.18 MILES
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
1.79 MILES
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
Nearby attractions
0.08 MILES
Together, the 1824 Blair House and adjoining 1858 Lee House have functioned as part of the official presidential guesthouse complex since 1943, when…
0.08 MILES
Attached to Blair House as part of the official accommodations for the President's overnight guests, this building was built for Robert E Lee’s cousin in…
0.09 MILES
Part of the Smithsonian group, the Renwick Gallery is set in a stately 1859 mansion on the same block of Pennsylvania as the White House. It's emerged as…
0.1 MILES
The land north of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave was originally deeded as part of the White House grounds. However, in 1804 President Thomas Jefferson decided to…
0.11 MILES
St John’s isn’t DC’s most imposing church, but it is arguably its most important. That’s because it’s the ‘Church of the Presidents’ – every president…
0.18 MILES
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
0.2 MILES
The descriptors ‘K St’ and ‘lobbyist’ have practically become synonymous since the 1990s. This is where high-powered lawyers, consultants and, of course,…
0.26 MILES
Named for Civil War general James B McPherson, who once commanded the Army of Tennessee, this square sports an 1876 statue of McPherson on his horse…