The Stables The stables on the East side of the White House housed several of the Lincoln pets as well as their horses. Although the President himself frequently rode on horse back and forth to the Soldiers’ Home, when he went out for a ride with Mrs. Lincoln in the afternoons, it was in a… […]

The Conservatory Under the previous administration of James Buchanan, a glass conservatory was built on the White House grounds. The Conservatory, into which the public could walk, was located just west of the White House and provided both fruit and flowers for its occupants. President Lincoln… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

The Lawn Closer to the White House — and more pleasant — were the gardens and extensive South Lawn. “The parklike grounds were ideal for an occasional walk. Dogwood and redbud trees blossomed in the spring, and the horse chestnuts…were magnificent,” according to White House historian… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Security Security concerns preceded Mr. Lincoln’s arrival in Washington in February 1861. His friends had consulted with the head of the Union army, General Winfield Scott, who had assured that he would prevent any attempt to disrupt the inauguration by pro-secession sympathizers. One Republican… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

The Entrance The employee fixture at the door through the previous four administrations was “Old Edward Moran.” He was there when President Lincoln first came to the White House and he continued to amuse the President:   “He is intensely absorbed in something,…” Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Family Dining Room Family lunches and dinners were frequently held here when both Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln were home — and not at the Soldiers’ Home. According to bodyguard William Crook, “Mr. Lincoln ate heartily but not to excess; he was particularly fond of certain things, especially apples, and…” Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

State Dining Room The Lincoln’s White House entertainments were largely free of either real entertainment or extensive refreshments. Some small dinner parties were held mid-week in the State Dining Room. It may have been in the State Dining room where the Lincoln family and their guests sat down to their first meal… Abraham Lincoln’s White […]

East Room The largest room in the White House, the East Room was the site of major social occasions and other events such as such the funerals of Mr. Lincoln’s friend Elmer Ellsworth and President Lincoln himself. The Lincolns held their first “levee” in the East Room just four days after Mr. Lincoln took office. […]

Blue Room The Blue Room filled many presidential purposes. It was used by the Lincolns for social events, reception of diplomatic envoys, and as a waiting room for visitors seeking to see the President. When Prince Napoleon visited the White House in August 1861, an aide described the drawing room as… Abraham Lincoln’s White House […]

Green Room Mrs. Lincoln took pleasure in her redecorating of the White House — especially of the Green Room. It had been one of the centerpieces of Mrs. Lincoln’s work in the summer and fall of 1861. One of its major features was its purple drapes. She took no pleasure in subsequent events there… Abraham […]