Rebecca and Tom Williams: Real Estate - Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Washington DC, McLean, Great Falls

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A Little Washington DC History

from The National Register of Historic Places

Decatur House:
A Home of the Rich and Powerful

[Cover photo] Decatur House
(Decatur House Collection)

From its beginnings in 1819 as the home of a wealthy naval hero, Decatur House—on Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, D.C.—has served as an elegant setting for social gatherings. Presidents, ambassadors, senators, congressmen, and other influential people gathered to listen to the gentle sound of their hostess playing the harp, gossiped about those who were not present, or engaged in hushed conversations about the rise or fall of the fortunes of other guests. Ambitious guests often used social events at Decatur House as a means to affirm their own power and influence in Washington.

Stephen Decatur's mansion reflected the importance that the politically ambitious once placed on being in close proximity to a site of authority—in this case the president's house. For more than 130 years, Decatur House was the coveted residence of individuals seeking political or social influence. Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation operates Decatur House as a museum.