President's House, Philadelphia

Name: President's House
Address: 6th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, 19106, United States
Telephone: (215) 965-2305

#48 among attractions in Philadelphia

Georgian architecture, Memorial, Historical place, Specialty museum, More...

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Map

Map

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Facts and practical information

The President's House in Philadelphia stands as a significant memorial to both the early history of the United States and the complex legacy of slavery in America. Located just steps away from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, this site was the executive mansion of Presidents George Washington and John Adams from 1790 to 1800, during Philadelphia's tenure as the temporary capital of the United States before Washington, D.C. took on this role.

The President's House is not just a symbol of the nation's early governance but also a poignant reminder of the paradox of American freedom and the institution of slavery. It was here that President Washington held nine enslaved Africans in bondage, even as he led a nation founded on principles of liberty.

Today, the President's House site is an open-air museum with interpretive panels, video installations, and architectural fragments that evoke the structure that once stood there. Visitors can learn about the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked at the site, including Oney Judge and Hercules, who both escaped to freedom.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 39°57'1"N, 75°9'0"W

Address

6th and Market StreetsCenter City (Old City)Philadelphia 19106 United States

Contact

(215) 965-2305

Website

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Philadelphia

Day trips

President's House – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, National Museum of American Jewish History, Independence National Historical Park.

~550 ftS
, Museum, History museum
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
3 min walk • Independence Hall, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's historic district, stands as a timeless monument to the birth of the United States. This Georgian-style structure, completed in 1753, served as the meeting place where the Founding Fathers debated and adopted...
~330 ftS
Historic symbol of American freedom
Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
2 min walk • The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, is housed in a dedicated museum located in the historic city of Philadelphia. Cast in 1752, this venerable relic has become a testament to the nation's enduring quest for liberty and justice.
~450 ftE
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia
3 min walk • Nestled in the historic heart of Philadelphia, the National Museum of American Jewish History stands as a testament to the rich and complex tapestry of Jewish life in the United States. This modern museum, which opened its doors in November 2010, is dedicated...
~320 ftE
National shrine with the Liberty Bell
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
2 min walk • Independence National Historical Park, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, is often referred to as the birthplace of American democracy. This revered site encapsulates the enduring legacy of the United States' quest for liberty.
~590 ftS
Museum, History museum, Entertainment
American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of historic Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society (APS) Museum is a testament to the city's rich intellectual heritage. Established in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, the APS is one of the oldest learned societies in the United States...
~1160 ftSE
Historic, Georgian-style meeting house
Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia
6 min walk • Carpenters' Hall, nestled in the heart of historic Philadelphia, stands as a monument to American craftsmanship and revolutionary history. This Georgian-style brick building, constructed in 1774, was the meeting place of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and has...
~1010 ftE
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Franklin Court, Philadelphia
5 min walk • Nestled within the historic heart of Philadelphia lies Franklin Court, a museum that pays homage to one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. This unique site, situated at 318 Market Street, offers a window into Franklin's world, where...
~220 ftNE
Park
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
2 min walk • Independence National Historical Park is a federally protected historic district in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States that preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding history.
~1130 ftSE
Museum, Science museum, Library
Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia
6 min walk • The Science History Institute is an institution that preserves and promotes understanding of the history of science. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it includes a library, museum, archive, research center and conference center.
~530 ftS
Georgian temporary congress building
Congress Hall, Philadelphia
3 min walk • Congress Hall, located in Philadelphia at the intersection of Chestnut and 6th Streets, served as the seat of the United States Congress from December 6, 1790 to May 14, 1800.
~400 ftN
Museum, Visitor center, Tourist information
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
2 min walk • Independence National Historical Park is a federally protected historic district in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States that preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to President's House?

Nearby attractions include Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia (2 min walk), Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia (2 min walk), Liberty Bell, Philadelphia (2 min walk), Society Hill, Philadelphia (2 min walk).

How to get to President's House by public transport?

The nearest stations to President's House:

Bus

FlixBus Philadelphia Market Street • Lines: 2602, 2680, N2610 (2 min walk)
Washington Sq & Locust St • Lines: 12, 47 (8 min walk)

Metro

5th Street • Lines: Mfl (2 min walk)
8th & Market • Lines: Bsl, Patco (5 min walk)

Train

Jefferson Station (12 min walk)
Suburban Station (25 min walk)

Tram

13th Street • Lines: 10, 11, 13, 34, 36 (17 min walk)
15th Street • Lines: 10, 11, 13, 34, 36 (21 min walk)

Light rail

Adventure Aquarium • Lines: River Line (31 min walk)
Entertainment Center • Lines: River Line (34 min walk)