Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (Cedar Hill)

Built in 1854, this Victorian country house was the home of black leader Frederick Douglass from 1877 until his death in 1895. Born a slave in Maryland, Douglass escaped to found an abolitionist newspaper, eventually advising Lincoln and other presidents. The museum’s visitor center shows Fighter For Freedom, a 17-minute film on Douglass’s life. There’s a sweeping view of downtown Washington from the grounds.