Welcome to Anderson House, a magnificent historic mansion located in Washington, D.C., that stands as a testament to the opulent lifestyle of America’s Gilded Age. Completed in 1905, Anderson House was designed by the renowned architectural firm of Arthur Little and Herbert Browne. It served as the winter residence for Larz Anderson, a distinguished American diplomat, and his wife, Isabel, an accomplished author and philanthropist.
The mansion is an architectural marvel, often described as a ‘Florentine villa in the midst of American independence.’ It features intricate wood carvings, gilded ceilings, ornate iron staircases, and marble floors, all of which showcase the craftsmanship of the era. Anderson House was not just a home but a hub of social and diplomatic activity. During the Washington social season, it hosted a variety of high-profile events attended by notable figures such as Presidents William H. Taft and Calvin Coolidge, General John J. Pershing, and members of the Vanderbilt family.
Larz Anderson, who was deeply involved in diplomatic circles, utilized this grand setting to entertain American and foreign dignitaries, furthering America’s image as a burgeoning power. After Larz’s death in 1937, Isabel donated the mansion and its contents to the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the American Revolution, of which Larz was a devoted member.
Today, Anderson House is a National Historic Landmark and operates as a historic house museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its preserved interiors and extensive art collection. It also serves as the headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati, continuing the traditions of hospitality and patriotic service initiated by the Andersons over a century ago.
