Location

President Lincoln's Cottage opened Seat of War: A Panoramic View of Civil War Washington Through Historic Prints early this month in the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center. This exhibit illuminates President Lincoln's Civil War Washington through historic prints from our collection. It will run through the new year and close on January 15, 2012.

The Civil War had arguably the greatest impact on Washington, DC of any single event in American history. Almost overnight, the seat of our nation's government was transformed from a sleepy, southern town to the hub of the northern war effort, and was often referred to as the "Seat of War." From views of the half finished Capitol dome to Lincoln's intimate Soldiers' Home retreat, this exhibit features our beautiful collection of prints, some of which are rarely displayed.

Opened to the public for the first time in 2008, the Cottage offers intimate, guided tours providing an in-depth, media-enhanced experience highlighting Lincoln's ideas and actions through historical images and voices. The Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center, adjacent to the Cottage, houses thematic galleries and changing exhibitions providing visitors of all ages opportunities for in-depth exploration of Lincoln's life and times. Hours of operation: Tours on the hour 10:00am-3:00pm Mon-Sat; 11:00pm-3:00pm Sun. Visitor Center open 9:30am-4:30pm Monday-Saturday, 10:30am-4:30pm Sunday. The site will be closed on December 25 and January 1.