Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

All clear. The managing agency, the National Weather Service and wildfire reporting show no current alerts.

Overview

Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site: The historic house is open for guided tours at scheduled times Tuesday through Saturday; hours vary by season, and reservations are strongly encouraged. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days from October 1 through March 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.

Fees and passes

  • Timed Entry Reservation - Location — $1.00

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

Getting there

The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information. There is parking on site.

Visitor centers

Weather

Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.

Phone: 771-208-1499

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

A tiny stone cabin surrounded by fall foliage
The Growlery · NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
View of downtown Washington, D.C., including the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol
View of Washington, D.C. · NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
A plaster bust of Frederick Douglass
Bust of Frederick Douglass · NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
A park ranger gestures to a group of people outside the Frederick Douglass home.
Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Weekend · NPS / Rachel Hendrix

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