President Lincoln and Soldiers' Home National Monument
Washington, DC

The Cottage exterior has been restored to the period of Lincoln’s occupancy in the 1860’s.

The scope of the exterior restoration ensures that the building envelope is watertight and that the material used are durable and practical to maintain. New roofing systems replicate the slate and sheet metal roofs used in the mid-nineteenth century based on physical and photographic evidence. Stucco has been applied over the brick structure using a lime and sand mix based on surviving samples of original stucco extant on the building. Masonry and carpentry repairs re-establish all of the architectural elements that have either been damaged or lost over the years. A new electrical service has been installed as well as a security system and exterior lighting. Painting research allows for the replication of the color scheme during the Lincoln era and the veranda has been reconfigured to the design depicted in historic images.

Architect: The Hillier Group

Photographer: Erin Carlson