Washington Moves to Philadelphia (1790–1797)

George and Martha Washington arrived in Philadelphia in November 1790, establishing their residence at the President's House on Market Street. This dwelling served as the executive mansion during the decade Philadelphia functioned as the temporary national capital. The household included enslaved individuals brought from Mount Vernon, marking a significant aspect of the presidency's domestic operations.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Philadelphia served as the temporary national capital from 1790 to 1800 while Washington, D.C. was under construction. The President's House, located on the south side of Market Street near Independence Hall, became the third U.S. presidential mansion. George Washington occupied this residence from November 27, 1790, until March 1797, establishing the executive household in the new capital.

Household Composition. The Washington household included First Lady Martha Washington and her grandchildren, Wash and Nelly Custis. In November 1790, George Washington brought eight enslaved Africans from Mount Vernon to work in the presidential household. These individuals included Hercules Posey, who served as the chief cook, and Oney Judge, Martha Washington's personal slave, who was approximately seventeen years old upon arrival.

People involved

Sources

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