Anderson House | Northwest Washington

Information

Landmark: Anderson House
City: Northwest Washington
Country: USA Washington DC
Continent: North America

Anderson House, Northwest Washington, USA Washington DC, North America

Anderson House is a historic Beaux-Arts mansion located in Northwest Washington, D.C. It currently serves as the headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati.

Visual Characteristics

The mansion is constructed of Indiana limestone. It features a prominent portico with Corinthian columns. The roof is slate. The building is three stories high, with a basement and attic. Architectural style is Beaux-Arts, characterized by symmetry, grandeur, and elaborate ornamentation.

Location & Access Logistics

Anderson House is situated at 2118 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. It is approximately 2.5 kilometers northwest of the White House. Public parking is not available on-site. The nearest Metro station is Dupont Circle (Red Line), located 0.8 kilometers southeast. Several bus lines, including the Circulator and Metrobus routes 42 and 43, serve Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The mansion was built between 1902 and 1905 for Larz Anderson and Isabel Weld Perkins. It was designed by the architectural firm of Arthur, Heaton & Simon. The original purpose was a private residence. In 1938, it was bequeathed to the Society of the Cincinnati, a hereditary organization founded by American Revolutionary War officers.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the public rooms of the house, which contain historical artifacts and art. The Society of the Cincinnati's library and archives are accessible by appointment. The formal gardens are also explorable.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available for visitors. Limited seating is provided in public areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the building. No food vendors are located on-site; nearest options are available on Massachusetts Avenue.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for interior photography is during daylight hours when artificial lighting is not required. The best months for visiting are April through October, when weather is typically mild. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

The mansion was designed to resemble a French château. It contains a ballroom, a library, and a formal dining room, all elaborately decorated. A specific tip for visitors is to observe the intricate plasterwork and ceiling frescoes in the main reception rooms.