Anderson House: Historic home of the Continental Army
The Anderson House in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood is another historic home many sigh over as they pass by, and brides dream of holding their weddings on its grounds. A National Historic Landmark, the house retains much of its original character, design and furnishings, and is currently the headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization formed during the American Revolution and continues to function as a reminder of the freedoms for which the founding fathers fought.
The Anderson house was built in 1902 for Larz Anderson III, an American diplomat from Cincinnati. He was also a devoted member of the Society of the Cincinnati. The Anderson House was his winter quarters, where he and his wife entertained many American and foreign dignitaries.
The house, styled as a beaux-arts mansion, consists of 50 rooms, a three-story stable and carriage house, a walled garden and tennis courts. The house also has two elevators and was fairly modern in its time, complete with electricity, telephones, central heat and a clothes dryer. It was well-decorated with English paintings, French furniture, Flemish tapestries, Chinese decorative arts, and murals and scenes of America. The interior also has gilded ceilings, marble floors, unique moldings and columns, and every indication of wealth and beauty which passed through its doors. When Larz passed away, his wife bequeathed the house and much of its furnishings to the Society of the Cincinnati.
Current members of the Society are descendents of the original members and those who served in the Continental Army and French army and navy who served in the American Revolution. There are regular meetings and gatherings for members at the house and elsewhere.
Much of the house consists of works of art, armaments and artifacts all related to the American Revolution. These are on display for the public to view, and frequent discussions are held to educate the public about the revolution in the spirit of retaining its memory.
HelloWashingtonDC Tip: The Anderson house is available for free, guided tours and also hosts special events regularly. Some events include an afternoon tea with American Girl dolls, discussions and displays from the house's vaults, music concerts and other celebrations. The house is also popular for private events, much like the house was in its original days. Weddings are particularly popular here, but are difficult to reserve unless the family are members of the Society. There's a ballroom, a promenade gallery and the garden, creating a perfect setting for any lavish party or event.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
