https://architectsfoundation.org/the-octagon/
Did you know there is a house in Washington that served as the White House after the original structure was burned by the British in the War of 1812? The Octagon House is a beautiful home that you can still tour and imagine the amazing parties thrown by Dolley Madison between these very walls!
History
The Octagon House was built in 1799 in the new capital city of Washington as a winter home by Virginia planter John Tayloe III. He and his wife, Ann, had fifteen children (thirteen survived to adulthood and seven were born at the home) and spent most of their time at their plantation house in Richmond County called Mount Airy. When his good friend and relative by marriage, George Washington, created a new Federal city, John was persuaded to be part of it. While in Washington, he served on the boards of many banks and helped found St. John’s Church in Lafayette Square (Church of the Presidents).
During the War of 1812, Ann offered the home to the French consul to save it from being destroyed by the invading British. The Tayloes then offered their home to the fourth president, James Madison, when the Executive Mansion (the White House) was burned by the British on August 24, 1814. James and his wife, First Lady extraordinaire Dolley Madison, lived at the home for six months, and this is where Dolley hosted her famous “squeezes” – parties so packed you had to squeeze to get by. It was here that President Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent, formally ending the war on February 17, 1815.
After Dolley and James left, the Tayloes moved back in, and it was their family home until the mid-19th century. Both John and Ann died in the home and were buried at Mount Airy. Their descendents rented it out to a girls’ school and the Federal government over the next few decades. It was then turned into tenement housing until the American Institute of Architects purchased it as their headquarters in 1898. The association still owns the home and is responsible for its upkeep and care.
Visit
The Octagon House Museum is open for tours every Friday and the first and third Saturdays. Double check the schedule before you go. There are guided tours available or you can also do a self-guided tour.
I loved participating in the guided tour during my visit. You enter into a beautiful foyer with the original black and white tiles. Just think how many amazing people have walked over these very tiles! The middle part of the tiled floor is not original as this was where the Tayloe family crest was located. It’s a missing historical treasure!
I loved learning about the Tayloes and their time in the house in the interior foyer. The map of Washington is so interesting as the land mass was very different from the modern city!
The first room to see is the massive parlor. The windows, mouldings, ceiling medallions, and mantle are original to the home. This airy space is beautiful and you can just imagine the wonder of parties and balls which were held here. I kept imagining Dolley in her turban here!
The dining room is also huge. I guess they needed a large room for all fifteen of their children!
Kids will like the model of the house which shows how it sits on its uniquely-shaped lot.
The artwork throughout is modern but imagines the home as it was in the 19th century at parties (see above the dining room mantle) to the day the Tayloes packed up the house (above the parlor mantle).
Downstairs are the servants’ quarters, which were the domain of the mostly enslaved workers. The home had an indoor well until they realized it allowed too much moisture in the house.
The brick floor is original and very atmospheric. You can imagine the hubbub of activity down here in the kitchen, wine cellar, and other working rooms.
The housekeeper had her own room and fireplace.
Go up to the second floor to see the beautiful upstairs parlor which served as President Madison’s office. This is where he signed the Treaty of Ghent on this very desk!
The box the treaty came in from Europe is also displayed.
The Madison/Tayloe bedroom is right next door and is large and bright. Set up with rotating art installations, it is easy to imagine James and Dolley retiring here after a big party!
The other rooms served as a nursery and a guest bedroom that had its own parlor.
Kids will love the hidden passageways meant for the servants with their curved doors!
Check out the museum’s upcoming events featuring a discussion of Dolley Madison’s hospitality and a family day for kids!
The Octagon House is a beautiful example of America’s unique architecture. With its place in American history as one of the only three remaining homes that has served as the Executive Mansion (the others being the White House and the Blair house), it deserves a visit!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: $10/adults; $5/children and students
- Recommended: 10 and up
- Tour time: 30-45 minutes
- No gift shop
- Transportation: Within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House, the nearest Metro station is Farragut West. There are several nearby parking garages.
- Dining options: I like the gooey grilled cheese sandwiches at the nearby GCDC. Founding Fathers restaurant is also close by and recommended.
- Nearby hotels: See my DC guide for recommendations. Nearest recommended hotel is a Courtyard by Marriott or the Hay-Adams.
- Nearby attractions include: DAR Museum and Library, the National Mall Monuments and Memorials, the White House, The People’s House, and St. John’s Church
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. Be sure to check out my Bookshop.org shop for even more recommendations.
Adult/Young Adult:
- Dolley Madison and the War of 1812
- Mr. and Mrs. Madison’s War: America’s First Couple and the War of 1812
- Dolley: A Novel
- Patriot Hearts: A Novel of Founding Mothers
- A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation
- Historic Washington, DC: A Tour of the District’s Top 50 National Landmarks
Middle Grade:
- Dolley Madison and the War of 1812
- Dolley Madison Saves History (Graphic History)
Picture Book:
4 thoughts on “Octagon House Museum (Washington, DC)”