Barnes House

In 1894, a baby’s cry echoed through the halls of the Barnes House. This wasn’t just any newborn. This was Archibald Roosevelt, the fifth child of Theodore Roosevelt and his wife Edith. The Barnes House, located on 19th Street in downtown DC, played a significant role in the life of the future president. At the time, Roosevelt served on the Civil Service Commission. He and Edith chose this home, then a simple row house, for its convenient location. Ben Barnes, a Democratic lobbyist and history enthusiast, purchased and meticulously restored the Barnes House. He spent $4.2 million to bring the building back to its former glory, preserving the original oak floors and five working fireplaces. Now, the walls are adorned with 19th-century American art, a nod to the era when the Roosevelts called this place home. Barnes’s office occupies what was once the Roosevelts’ bedroom, the very room where Archibald was born. During the restoration, Barnes became fascinated by Theodore Roosevelt. He discovered that the house’s proximity to Roosevelt’s stable in Rock Creek Park was a major draw. Roosevelt, despite his privileged upbringing, loved the outdoors and cherished his time as a Rough Rider. Another perk for Roosevelt was a restaurant he frequented with Secretary of War Redfield Proctor, just two blocks from the Barnes House. Today, the area still boasts popular dining spots like the Palm and i Ricchi, just across the street from the Barnes House. The building stands as a testament to its historical significance, having housed a future president and now serving as a reminder of a pivotal time in American history.