President's House

The President's House is a federal mansion at Market Street in Philadelphia where early executive leadership resided during the nation's first capital transition. The site displays the uncovered archaeological foundations and provides information about this important location in early American history.

The mansion served from 1790 to 1800 as the residence for Presidents George Washington and John Adams while Philadelphia temporarily held the role of national capital. The building was eventually demolished, but the underground remains became a crucial historical record.

The site honors the lives of nine enslaved Africans who labored in the household during Washington's time through video presentations and displays. Their stories reveal the human experiences often hidden from historical accounts of early presidential life.

The site is accessible daily without entry fees and features barrier-free infrastructure for exploration. The best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon hours when crowds are smaller.

Excavations in the early 2000s revealed the original kitchen and showed how enslaved people worked there daily. These archaeological finds made it possible to document previously hidden aspects of household operations and the lived experiences of these individuals.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1797

Architectural style: Federal architecture

Address: Ninth Street

GPS coordinates: 39.95083,-75.15556

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:55