The Wandering Disciple

This door serves not only as an entrance to the Willard Intercontinental but also as a window to the past and as well as a gateway to the present.  For over one hundred years, this historic hotel in our nation's capital has had a front row seat to history.  From Abraham Lincoln seeking safety from assassins prior to inauguration, Ulysses Grant having evening meetings with lobbyists, Julia Ward Howe writing the Battle Hymn of the Republic, Martin Luther King Jr penning his famous I Have a Dream speech from his hotel room and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd giving his resignation speech from the Douglas Room, this hotel has seen its fair share of history. In fact every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed or done business at the Willard giving it the nickname "Residence of Presidents".  Today guests staying at the Willard can walk through the same revolving door that has brought influential people of American history into the iconic hotel.  (Photo: Febr...

Some times it is the little things that make your home away from home feel like home.  Like coming in from a long day exploring the city only to find your stuffed friends waiting for you on the bed.  It is little gestures like this that help bring a smile to the face of the younger travelers in your party.  (Photo: February 13, 2009)

Located just steps away from the White House, the Willard Hotel is one of the most historically significant hotel in the Nation's capital.  Over 150 years of history can be found within the walls of the hotel.  From providing a safe haven for President Lincoln during his first inauguration to Dr Martin Luther King Jr finishing his "I Have a Dream Speech", the Willard has had a front seat.  It has been a prominent location for every president since Franklin Pierce.  (Photo: February 15, 2009)

The elegant lobby of Willard InterContinental has seen its fair share of famous guests pass through the doors over the years.  It was in this lobby where President Ulysses Grant would sneak away from the White House for a whiskey and cigar.  While he was here in the lobby, guests would stop by to ask for favors from the president and that is where the term "lobbyist" originated.  (Photo: February 15, 2009) Click on the photo to view more photos from the Willard InterContinental Washington .

Walking down Peacock Alley is like taking a walk through history.  This elegant hallway connecting the lobby to the ballrooms and has its place in history.  Great American icons like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr, Ulysses S Grant, Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson and many more have strolled the red carper of Peacock Alley.  (Photo: February 13, 2009)

Just steps away from the White House, the Willard Intercontinental Hotel has been hosting prominent guests since its opening in 1847. It has its roots deep in American history. Abraham Lincoln was kept here for safekeeping following assassination attempts prior to his inauguration. Within its walls, Dr Martin Luther King Jr penned his famous “I' Have A Dream” speech. Almost every US president since Franklin Pierce has been hosted at the Willard. It has also hosted many other prominent figures like Charles Dickens, Buffalo Bill, David Lloyd George, P.T. Barnum and Mark Twain. (Photo: February 16, 2009)

Washington, DC: Two blocks from the White House lies a hotel etched in the history of Washington DC. The Willard InterContinental has entertained thousands of guests including heads of state, writers and average Americans while also serving as a playground for powerful politicians. There has been a hotel on the site of the Willard since 1816. Henry Willard bought the property in 1850 and established the Willard hotel. Willard merged several row houses together to form a 100 room hotel. The hotel began to attract politician including Franklin Pierce. The Willard Hall became a centerpiece in Washington’s nightlife. PT Barnum’s act Jenny Lind performed regularly and attracted many visitors including President Millard Fillmore. The hall was also the first place in Washington DC to see a motion picture. The Willard continued to gain popularity among the political class. In 1859 a ball was held for Lord Napier and over 1,800 guests attended. The guest list included Sam Houston, Jef...