Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, national historic site designated in 1988, originally the Frederick Douglass Home authorized in 1962. Located in Washington, D.C., the site preserves the home of Frederick Douglass, a leading abolitionist and spokesman for African Americans and civil rights during the 19th century. Douglass escaped from slavery in 1838 and became an influential newspaper editor and orator in the years leading up to the American Civil War (1861-1865). He was appointed United States minister to Haiti in 1989. Douglass lived in a Victorian-style home, called Cedar Hill, between 1877 and 1895. Located on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C., the 21-room house has been restored and many of Douglass’s personal items preserved. Administered by the National Park Service. Area, 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres).