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Rare Photos of the Summer White Houses of U.S. Presidents

Find out where first families would go to get away from it all.

By Micaela English and Janaya Wecker
hyannis port
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When the summer heat hits, even presidents need a break. Throughout history, many have found a place to call their own outside of Washington D.C., often dubbed their "Summer White House." It's a place where they can relax, celebrate holidays, and spend time with family—with a side of presidential duties, of course.

It wasn't uncommon for presidents to work from these abodes, or invite world leaders to visit them for meetings. From Jimmy Carter's family home in a small town in Georgia to Barack Obama's fabulous Martha's Vineyard escape, take a look at some of the many places that have served as Summer White Houses through the years.

John Adams: Quincy, Massachusetts (1797 to 1801)

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The second-ever President of the United States, John Adams, escaped to his Quincy, Massachusetts home for rest. The estate was known as Peace Field and was first built in 1731.

peacefield
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When his son, John Quincy Adams, became the sixth president in 1825, he also used Peace Field as a sanctuary during summers. Pictured is an interior shot of the historic home, which is now preserved by the Adams National Historical Park.

Abraham Lincoln: Washington, D.C. (1861 to 1865)

lincoln cottage old soldier's home
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President Lincoln didn't travel far from the White House during his summers in office. He stayed in this cottage on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home, which is now known as the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

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lincoln cottage
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The very last time Lincoln sat in the living room (pictured) was April 13, 1865—the day before his assassination. After eight years of work, the cottage was fully restored and opened to the public in 2008.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Hyde Park, New York (1933 to 1945)

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Franklin D. Roosevelt grew up at the Springwood estate in Hyde Park, New York. The restored home still features elements of the President's childhood, including his collection of stuffed birds. The estate meant so much to him that he requested to be buried in the Rose Garden of the property with his wife, Eleanor.

portrait of franklin d roosevelt and family
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Here, Roosevelt and his family pose inside the home's study. While awaiting election results (he was the only president to be elected four times), FDR would often wait on the terrace and wave to friends and neighbors wishing him well from the driveway.

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Harry S. Truman: Independence, Missouri (1935 to 1945)

harry truman escorts daughter margaret on wedding day
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The Truman Home in Missouri was first built in 1867 by Bess Truman's grandfather, who added a second story in 1885. It was one of the biggest luxury homes in the area at the time. Here, the former President departs the house with his daughter, Margaret, on the way to her wedding.

harry s truman making toast
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Inside, the home was quaint. Truman is seen here making toast for him and his wife in the kitchen, which was decorated with tiled floors and white countertops.

trumans reading in living room
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President Truman used the home as a getaway while in office. When his time in the White House was over, he moved back to Missouri and renovated the entire property with his wife.

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John F. Kennedy: Hyannis Port, Massachusetts (1961 to 1963)

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JFK's childhood was filled with great memories at his parents' Cape Cod home, first bought in 1928. Eventually JFK, his brother Ted, and his sister Eunice all purchased the surrounding properties, forming the Kennedy Compound.

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The compound was a favorite gathering spot for the Kennedys each summer. A highlight was Ted Kennedy's annual clambake, which included plenty of food, football, and quality family time.

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Being seaside helped clear JFK's mind and let him think through his presidential duties. It's why he often held meetings there when the weather was warm. "I always come back to the Cape and walk on the beach when I have a tough decision to make," he once said, "The Cape is the one place I can think and be alone."

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Lyndon B. Johnson: Stonewall, Texas (1963 to 1969)

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The LBJ Ranch meant so much to the politician. It's where he was born, where he spent his free time during his presidency, and where he lived after leaving the White House.

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He would often hold outdoor meetings at the ranch, as seen here with Secretary of State Dean Rusk. "All the world is welcome here," the former President once said about the estate.

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Even while away from the White House, LBJ made time to tend to presidential duties in his office at the ranch. Then, he'd go off to work on his barn or care for his animals.

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lbj the last interview
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The former President pets his beloved dog, Yuki, in his ranch's living room during his last interview, which he gave just days before his passing in 1973.

Gerald Ford: Vail, Colorado (1974 to 1977)

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President Ford opted for snow over sand, often escaping to Colorado. He'd sometimes purchase his own tickets at the walk-up window, and laughed off getting photographed falling while on the slopes. "Every skier takes a fall once in a while," he said at the time.

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In the heat of the summer, Ford would hit the tennis court or the golf course. Here, he's pictured with pro player Bill Wright. "It's a nice environment, winter or summer," Ford said of Colorado in 2004.

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ford family portrait
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After he won the election, Ford's condo became too small for his family and security team. That's when they moved into the nearby chalet of family friend and businessman, Dick Bass.

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Ford got to know the people of Vail well, even listing his real number in the phone book for many years. After he left the White House, he and wife Betty became regulars at the annual town potluck picnic, never forgetting to bring potato salad.

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