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Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Cedar Hill, the graceful hilltop home where Douglass lived from 1877 until his death in 1895, provides an intimate look at the daily life of the great orator (who was born into, and then escaped from, slavery). The furnishings and artwork, including portraits of Douglass family friends, are much as they were when he lived here, and his personal effects—barbells, the desk where he wrote, an early typewriter—still occupy pride of place.

Tip: The handsome wood checkerboard displayed in the house's East Parlor was crafted by Douglass himself.