Imagine Dolley Madison fleeing the White House. It was 1814 and the British were burning Washington. She sought refuge right here at Dumbarton House.
Dumbarton House stands as a proud example of Federal-style architecture in Georgetown. Completed around 1800, it has witnessed many pivotal moments in American history. Today, we explore its story.
Originally built by Samuel Jackson, a Philadelphia merchant, Dumbarton House quickly became a notable residence. Joseph Nourse, the first Register of the Treasury, purchased it in 1804. He renamed it Cedar Hill. Nourse’s 48-year career saw him commute from this house. He did this through six presidential administrations.
The house then passed to Charles Carroll. He was a cousin of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. This Carroll was friends with President James Madison and his wife, Dolley. During the War of 1812, when the British attacked, Dolley Madison fled to Dumbarton House. At that time it was known as Belle Vue. She sought shelter here while escaping the burning White House. She famously insisted on saving a portrait of George Washington first.
The advertisement for the auction that Joseph Nourse won described the interior of Dumbarton House in detail. It described a large two-story brick house. It had a passage through the center and four rooms on each floor. Good cellars were also mentioned. The front rooms were about 17 by 18 feet. The back rooms were semicircular and about 22 by 17 feet. The passage was 9 feet wide and 38 feet long.
Between 1785 and 1840, both enslaved and free people worked at Dumbarton House. Some names are known. Dinah was an enslaved Black woman. Bacchus was an enslaved Black man. Jane’s race is unknown.
In 1915, Dumbarton House faced demolition. The city planned to extend Q Street. It was right in the way. John L. Newbold bought the house and moved it. He moved it roughly 60 feet. The center portion of the house was jacked up. It was hoisted onto rollers. Animals pulled it to its new foundation. The wings were dismantled and rebuilt.
In 1928, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America purchased the house. They named it Dumbarton House. They use it as their headquarters. In 1932, they opened Dumbarton House as a museum.
Inside, you’ll find period decorative arts. Furniture, silver, and ceramics reflect domestic life in early Georgetown. The house is furnished to reflect the Nourse residence from 1804 to 1813. The main entranceway features Windsor chairs painted vermilion green. The parlor, dining room, and library are adorned with period pieces.
Notice the semicircular fanlight window above the main entrance. It is a signature Federal-style detail. The foyer floor has trompe l’oeil tiles of lacquered fabric. These tiles protected the original planks from moisture.
Today, Dumbarton House hosts tours, concerts, lectures, and events. Its East Garden, designed by M. Meade Palmer and Guy Williams, adds to its charm. It is a historic landmark. It showcases early American life and architecture. This house stands as a testament to the resilience and elegance of a bygone era.