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Cedar Hill, once home to famed abolistionist Frederick Douglass overlooks the Anacostia River towards the U.S. Capitol. Visitors are welcome to join a 30-minute tour of the historic home led by the National Park Service. Free tickets are required and can

Pictured: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

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Civil War to Civil Rights

Explore DC’s powerful position in the Civil War and its unique role in the civil rights movement with “Civil War to Civil Rights,” a four-year, citywide commemoration featuring museum exhibitions and cultural events all examining the District’s role in these important historical eras.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
Civil War Battlefields & Battle Sites
10 historic battle sites in and around Washington, DC
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Nighttime is a popular time to see Washington’s monuments and memorials. The white stones gleam against the dark sky, and visitors can take advantage of the relative quiet to contemplate lessons of history and leadership.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 5 Days
Dive into DC's Civil War and Civil Rights history with this itinerary
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The Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall provides a doubling vista, and a cooling station for geese.
Family-Friendly Attractions from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Educational experiences that teach the lessons of the Civil War and civil rights eras in an accessible way.
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DC Travel Inspiration

Trip Ideas

A statue of Frederick Douglass graces Cedar Hill, his former home in the Anacostia neighborhood. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass was renowned for his orations on universal equality of all races, nationalities and genders.
DC Itinerary: Frederick Douglass' Washington in 1 Day
Follow this one-day Washington, DC itinerary through the eyes of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 5 Days
Follow this five-day itinerary to experience Washington, DC's Civil War to Civil Rights attractions.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 1 Day
Spend a day visiting attractions relevant to the Civil War or the civil rights movement.
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The African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honors the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
DC Itinerary: 5 Days of Civil Rights
Explore civil rights attractions and experiences over 5 days in Washington, DC.
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The seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial is 19 feet high and weighs 175 tons.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days in Abraham Lincoln's Footsteps
Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln through these Civil War to Civil Rights experiences.
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The Stone of Hope features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
DC Itinerary: African American History & Heritage
Discover African American contributions to the rich local history and culture of Washington, DC.
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President Lincoln's Washington
A powerful president at a turbulent time, Abraham Lincoln remains a powerful presence in Washington.
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The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 3 Days
Spend three days exploring Civil War and civil rights sites in and around the nation's capital.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days of Civil War to Civil Rights
Ideas for history buffs interested in DC's Civil War connections from the last 150 years.
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The Duke Ellington Mural on the historic True Reformer Building in the U Street neighborhood pays tribute to the city's contributions to the jazz age and in particular U Street's - once known as 'Black Broadways' - contributions.
African American Arts & Culture
Many museums and theaters in Washington, DC offer a taste of African American culture.
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The Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall provides a doubling vista, and a cooling station for geese.
DC Itinerary: Major Civil Rights Sites in 1 Day
Discover some of Washington, DC's significant civil rights attractions in this one-day itinerary.
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The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
Civil War to Civil Rights: A Spy's-Eye View
Check out these Top 10 recommendations from a DC insider.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Historical Figures
From imposing monuments to Metro stops, Civil War history is everywhere in Washington, DC.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Explore these lesser-known Civil War attractions and historical locations.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Music
Washington, DC has some of its deepest roots in music. Explore these top 10 music makers.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Sites
The civil rights leader made history all across the city.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Literary Locations
Trace DC's greatest writings and speeches from the Civil War through the civil rights era.
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Food & Drink from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Eat and drink your way through locations in DC that played a part in the Civil War or civil rights.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
Civil War Battlefields & Battle Sites
The Washington area played a major role in the Civil War. Explore these historic battle sites.
read now
Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
Civil War Forts, Circles & Squares
Discover historic sites that help explain Washington, DC's role in the Civil War.
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Family-Friendly Attractions from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Help your kids discover the city's history in two history-altering eras.
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The African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honors the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
African American History & Heritage
The culture of Washington, DC, is infused with African American history.
read now

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