Blair House

Blair House is a guest house complex on Pennsylvania Avenue covering around 70,000 square feet (6,500 square meters) across four connected historic brick buildings. The property includes 119 rooms, among them 14 bedrooms for international guests and state receptions.

The original residence was built in 1824 for Joseph Lovell, the first Surgeon General of the U.S. Army. Between 1948 and 1952, it served as temporary quarters for President Truman during White House renovations.

The residence library holds books left behind by international guests over the years. This collection documents diplomatic exchanges between world leaders across generations.

The United States Secret Service manages security during visits by foreign heads of state. The Diplomatic Security Service handles responsibility for other international delegations and official guests.

The Coffelt Memorial Room in the basement honors Officer Leslie Coffelt, who lost his life during a 1950 assassination attempt on President Truman. This memorial space recalls the only Secret Service member killed in such an attack.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1989

Architectural style: Federal architecture, Victorian architecture

Floors above the ground: 4

Made from material: brick

Website: https://state.gov/bureaus-offices/secretary-of-state/office-of-the-chief-of-protocol/blair-house-division

GPS coordinates: 38.89889,-77.03861

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:01