Decatur House

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15 Reviews | Add review

Address: 748 Jackson Place NW, Washington D.C.
Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 12pm - 4pm
Admission: US$5 donation per person

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Monument - Historical

11:22 AM Saturday, May 25
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Designed in 1818 for the War of 1812 naval hero Stephen Decatur, Decatur House holds the honor of being the first and last house on Lafayette Square to be occupied as a private residence. Decatur is best remembered for his skills fighting Barbary pirates; sadly these failed him when he was killed in a duel a year after moving into his new home.

Architecturally, it’s an interesting mash-up of austere Federal and wedding cake Victorian influences. Inside, the house museum displays a permanent collection of Federalist and Victorian furnishings. You’ll also learn about the lives of its most famous tenants - including Martin Van Buren and Henry Clay - and the slaves who waited on them.

In the southeast corner of Lafayette Square, check out the likeness of Marquis de Lafayette, who became a revolutionary war general at age 19. Although Lafayette was branded a traitor in his native France, he was considered a hero in young America. In the northeast corner is a memorial to Tadeusz Kosciusko, an engineer in George Washington’s army. The sculpture is one of the most provocative in town.

Latest Reviews

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All Decatur House Reviews

Review by Natalie O, May 2013
Doing what: Washington DC Power Pass™

The pass is really useful. It can be picked up before the date that you wish to use it. I did the Spy Museum, Crime Museum and the Newseum in 1 day as they were close together

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Review by Basem J, July 2012
Doing what: Washington DC Power Pass™

it was realy so great, i loved it, and this card saved me a lot of money. i highly recommend it .. and the boat tripp was realy so nice..

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Review by SUSAN E, USA, August 2010
Doing what: Washington DC Power Pass™

You can save a LOT of money with this one! The trick is to have the stamina to do it all in a short period of time! The Crime and Punishment Museum and I Spy Museum are GREAT and well worth the 20 each. The Hop on Hop Off Trolly is also a great buy to help you get around to all the other site you will see. The Duck Tour isn't the best, but it was very informative and fun. The Newseum is also a good learning expereince. I was able to do these 5 in 2 days. Also, when I got my trolly pass on the second day, they gave me a 2 day pass from then, so that was good too.

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Practical Info

Decatur House is located across the street from the White House. Other nearby attractions include the National Mall, the Art Museum of America, and the Aztec Gardens. The Decatur House is accessible via metro and bus.

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