The President's House in Philadelphia was the third U.S. presidential mansion. George Washington lived there from 1790 to 1797, followed by John Adams until 1800, when the capital moved to Washington, D.C. Located near Independence Hall, the house was built around 1767 by Mary Masters. During the British occupation (1777–78), it served as General Howe’s headquarters and later housed Benedict Arnold. Owned by Robert Morris, the house was given to Washington, who brought nine enslaved people from Mount Vernon.

The site was mistakenly demolished in 1951.

After public advocacy, it was commemorated in 2010.

Although the house was demolished in 1832, the foundations still remain visible in this unique exhibit focusing on the contradiction of liberty and enslavement in the new nation.

See the names of the nine enslaved members of President Washington's household who lived at this site. One of them, Oney Judge, seized her freedom while the Washington family was eating dinner. With the help of the free black community and a white ship captain, she eventually made her way to a new life in New Hampshire.Photograph by Joseph E.B. Elliott.

Archeologists discovered the foundations of the house during a dig. Today, those foundations are incorporated into the exhibit.

The home was demolished in 1832; today, a low brick wall and architectural elements evoke the feeling of a house. The exhibit is outdoors and can be viewed until 10 p.m.Photograph by Joseph E.B. Elliott.

3rd Presidential Mansion