Since Knollwood opened its doors in 1962 as the first military retirement munity in the United States exclusively for retired officers, their spouses or widows and nuclear female relatives, the mission has been to provide affordable, secure retirement housing and health care to members of the American military family. The Army Distaff Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, has managed this unique community for more than 50 years, offering a continuum of care to best fulfill the physical and emotional needs of each resident.

Knollwood sits atop 16 exquisitely green acres bordering Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. The location combines the best of both worlds -- the peaceful solitude of a country estate with the amenities and energy of our nation's capital. As residents say, "Life at Knollwood is easy."

At Knollwood, residents have the opportunity to live with others who have experienced the unique life of the military family. Old friendships are renewed, and new friends are discovered. It is a community in which one instantly feels "at home."

Knollwood continues to carry out this vision … today and into the future.

The Army Distaff Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1959 by Mrs. Maxwell Taylor, wife of then Chief  of Staff of the Army, and Mrs. Hoy Davis to provide affordable, secure retirement housing and health care services for Army officers’ widows who, at the time, received minimal benefits from the government. With the help of thousands of Army wives around the world, the Foundation was able to open Army Distaff Hall in 1962 following a groundbreaking ceremony by Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower. The name of the community was changed to Knollwood in 1989 when admission was extended to all retired career military officers, male and female, and their female relatives.

Since its inception, Knollwood has expanded to include four levels of care: independent living, assisted living, a skilled nursing facility, and the Special Care Center for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. To this day, the Army Distaff Foundation has not lost sight of its original mission of providing affordable, secure retirement housing and health care services to those who have served and supported our uniformed services, regardless of their ability to pay.