President's House, Philadelphia
The President's House in Philadelphia holds a unique place in American history as the third U.S. Presidential Mansion and a pivotal site during the nation's early years. Occupied by George Washington from November 27, 1790, to March 10, 1797, and by John Adams from March 21, 1797, to May 30, 1800, this residence served as the executive mansion before the White House was completed.
Constructed around 1767 by Mary Masters, a widow, the house was situated just one block north of the Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall. It briefly played a significant role during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777鈥�1778, serving as headquarters for General Sir William Howe and the British Army. After the British evacuated in June 1778, the house became the headquarters for Military Governor Benedict Arnold.
Philadelphia was the national capital from 1790 to 1800, a period during which the city was the heart of American political life. The house was owned by Robert Morris, a financier of the Revolutionary War and a Founding Father, who provided it for George Washington's use. Reflecting the complexities of the era, Washington brought nine enslaved Africans from his Mount Vernon estate to work in the presidential household, a fact that underscores the entwined histories of freedom and slavery in the United States.
However, the exact location of The President's House was forgotten over time, leading to the unintentional demolition of its surviving walls in 1951. This loss sparked a significant historical and cultural reassessment, culminating in the 2010 commemoration of the site. This effort was driven by historians and African American groups, who advocated for the recognition of the house's complex legacy, including its role in the history of slavery in the United States.
Constructed around 1767 by Mary Masters, a widow, the house was situated just one block north of the Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall. It briefly played a significant role during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777鈥�1778, serving as headquarters for General Sir William Howe and the British Army. After the British evacuated in June 1778, the house became the headquarters for Military Governor Benedict Arnold.
Philadelphia was the national capital from 1790 to 1800, a period during which the city was the heart of American political life. The house was owned by Robert Morris, a financier of the Revolutionary War and a Founding Father, who provided it for George Washington's use. Reflecting the complexities of the era, Washington brought nine enslaved Africans from his Mount Vernon estate to work in the presidential household, a fact that underscores the entwined histories of freedom and slavery in the United States.
However, the exact location of The President's House was forgotten over time, leading to the unintentional demolition of its surviving walls in 1951. This loss sparked a significant historical and cultural reassessment, culminating in the 2010 commemoration of the site. This effort was driven by historians and African American groups, who advocated for the recognition of the house's complex legacy, including its role in the history of slavery in the United States.
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President's House on Map
Sight Name: President's House
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rocky Movie Sites Walking Tour
There's hardly any other character, fictional or real, as iconically Philadelphian as Rocky. Indeed, this American sports drama franchise, centered on the boxing career of Rocky Balboa, released in 1976, has become synonymous with and arguably done more for the city of Philadelphia than anyone else since Ben Franklin.
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour
King Charles II of England, while seriously indebted to Admiral Sir William Penn, settled his debt in 1681 by granting lands in America to William Penn, the Admiral's Quaker son. A thorn in the King's side, young Penn sailed to America, where he envisioned a utopian society based on tolerance and founded Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love."
The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Franklin Parkway Walking Tour
Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a scenic boulevard running through the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Named for America's Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, this mile-long tree-lined parkway is lined with several notable sights and world-class museums.
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Fairmount Park Historical Houses Walking Tour
Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's oldest park, established since 1867, is also the city's largest municipal park, sprawling over 2,000 acres adjacent to the banks of the Schuylkill River. The park grew out of the Lemon Hill estate of Henry Pratt, whose land was originally owned by Robert Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
In 1972, the park was placed on the National... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
In 1972, the park was placed on the National... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
University of Pennsylvania Walking Tour
As America's first university, The University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn or Upenn, for short) has a history stretching back to the mid-18th century, closely bound with the city's colonial past and the birth of the United States. Initially, this Ivy League institution emerged as the College of Philadelphia, one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the US Declaration of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour
The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Philadelphia Souvenirs: 13 Unique Gift Ideas from the City of Brotherly Love
Looking for a great gift while visiting Philadelphia?聽Famous for its history, arts and culture, championship sports teams, and award-winning food and drink, Philadelphia is a top-rated shopping destination. Here, you'll find聽an聽amazing selection of items to choose from - something uniquely...