Tudor Place

Tudor Place was built by Martha Washington's granddaughter,
Martha Custis Peter, and her husband, Thomas Peter, son of a successful Scottish tobacco merchant. In 1805, Thomas Peter purchased the land comprising a city lot in Georgetown Heights with an $8,000 legacy from Martha Custis Peter's step-grandfather, George Washington. The Peters asked Dr. William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol, to design the stately neoclassical house with its circular domed portico and expansive gardens. Completed in 1816, Tudor Place remained under the ownership of six succeeding generations of the Peter family until 1983.

The Peter family witnessed the birth and growth of the capital, playing active roles in government, business and society. The family entertained the Marquis de Lafayette, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and others who shaped America's history.

The story of those who worked at the estate and served the family as slaves and free servants present a fuller picture of life at Tudor Place. From the forced immigration of slaves to the free immigration of English and Irish in the late 19th century, Tudor Place presents a unique window into the lives of those who served and how their lives were shaped by major events.

Following the death of its last owner, Armistead Peter 3rd, the historic site opened to the public in 1988 under the stewardship of the Tudor Place Foundation. Tudor Place brings to life the cultural and social history of over 180 years of the Peter family.

Tudor Place Foundation operates an historic property located in the heart of Washington’s Georgetown area. Firmly rooted in the community, Tudor Place Foundation’s mission is to educate the public about American history and culture. Its focus is on the historical development of the Federal City and the nation’s capital region from the 18th to the 20th century as seen through the lens of Tudor Place, home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter and six generations of her descendants, the Custis-Peter family. The Foundation is committed to protecting, preserving, maintaining, and interpreting the historic property and the collections, while instilling the value of the past in the public perception.

Experience of 180 Years of American History in the Historic Georgetown District.
* View the largest public collection of George and Martha Washington objects outside of the Founding Father’s home.
* Experience 19th and 20th century life and events in Georgetown and the growing city of Washington.
* Enjoy the elegant neoclassical house designed by the architect of the first United States Capitol.
* Wander 5 1/2 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.