Washington, DC - A little-known bit of presidential history may be a lot better known after this President’s Day holiday in the nation’s capitol. A simple home just a few miles from the White House was Abraham Lincoln’s getaway.

The cottage is referred to by some as Lincoln’s Camp David. It is still located on the grounds of a home for retired and disabled veterans, and it’s where Lincoln spent months each summer, commuting to and from the White House each day in an open carriage.

Lincoln spent time there working on the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves.

“For Black Americans, this is one of the most important landmarks there is,” said Warren Helm, veteran.

Helm fought in Vietnam and lost a son and a brother there. He now lives near the cottage, and through Lincoln, connects the past and his own service to the country.

“Every American is a part of freedom. That’s what we stand for and a veteran knows this. We fight for people that can’t fight,” said Helm.

For its entire history, the cottage has been closed to the public. This week that will change. Neglected for years, it has now been refurbished so all Americans can see it. Dedication ceremonies marked completion of the project.

Indiana lawmaker Mike Pence brought his family. His son is not much older than Lincoln’s son Tad when he had fun dressing up as a soldier and hanging out with the real ones.

“Coming here, I just had no real understanding of how Lincoln felt about his family,” said Michael Pence, the congressman’s son.

So much is known about Lincoln’s life in the White House. Not so widely known is the time he spent at the cottage.

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