Decatur House: Washington's historic home
The Decatur House, located on Lafayette Square, is one of Washington's historic homes many walk by and sigh over, wishing they had that address. Built in 1818, the house is the first private home in the White House neighborhood and neighbors of the President. Back then, the home had more visible space and fewer – if no other – buildings nearby. Today, it remains sandwiched among office and government buildings, but its historic appeal keeps it alive.
Commissioned by Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. and wife Susan, and designed by Washington's famous architect, Henry Latrobe, the Decatur House is a three-story, red brick square home which eventually gained a secondary building for slaves and servants. The house saw many a politician and important guest, and was the unofficial house for the secretaries of state from 1827-1833. It also housed various servants and slaves, and later became an army office during the Civil War. General Edward Beale and his wife, Mary, were its last owners and residents, and they redecorated and renovated the house into a Victorian home that entertained the Washington elite. It became a public museum in 1960.
The museum currently houses the National Center for White House History, holding historic documentation and research efforts related to the White House's history. Guided tours by docents, or cell phone tours, are available, as well as a gallery tour featuring the story of African-Americans on Lafayette Square.
As it had been since the Decaturs were residents and all through its history, the house is extremely popular with private events and weddings. There's a red brick courtyard, and the house's interior features and moldings have been retained. The house inside otherwise resembles a quaint museum than a home. Events are held through the year, including summer jazz nights on the first Thursdays of each month from May through September. The jazz events are $25 and include light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
