In 1805, a grand Federal-style mansion rose on the land once roamed by the Doeg people. This mansion, Woodlawn, was a gift from President George Washington to his nephew, Lawrence Lewis, and his step-granddaughter, Eleanor “Nelly” Custis Lewis. Woodlawn, nestled within what was once Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, stands as a symbol of the early American elite. Their wealth, tragically, was built on the backs of enslaved people of African descent. The 2,000 acres surrounding Woodlawn pulsed with activity. At least 90 enslaved individuals worked the land, many gifted to Nelly by her grandmother, Martha Washington. The very foundations of Woodlawn whisper their stories.
Woodlawn witnessed a dramatic shift in 1846. The Lewis family sold the estate to Quaker families. These Quakers envisioned a radical departure from the plantation system. They established Woodlawn as a “free labor colony.” Land was sold to free Black farmers and immigrants. This bold social experiment, years before the Emancipation Proclamation, challenged the accepted norms of the time. Imagine the conversations, the hopes, and the anxieties that filled the air at Woodlawn during this transformative period.
Woodlawn’s story continues into the 20th century. The estate, having fallen into disrepair, was rescued by Elizabeth Sharpe, a Pennsylvania coal heiress. This act of preservation ensured Woodlawn’s survival. In 1952, Woodlawn achieved another milestone, becoming the first historic site owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A unique addition came to Woodlawn in 1964. The Pope-Leighey House, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, was relocated to the grounds. Saved from demolition due to highway construction, it offers a striking contrast to the Federal-style mansion. It represents Wright’s vision of beautiful, affordable housing. It’s the only Wright house accessible to the public in the Washington, D.C. area.
Today, Woodlawn offers a glimpse into multiple layers of American history. It stands as a testament to the changing tides of fortune, the struggle for social justice, and the enduring power of architecture. As you stand before Woodlawn, consider the lives intertwined with this historic site. From the Doeg people to the enslaved workers, from the Quakers to the modern-day visitors, Woodlawn’s story resonates with the echoes of the past, informing our present and shaping our future.