Number One Observatory Circle facts for kids
One Observatory Circle is a special house in Washington, D.C. It is the official home for the Vice President of the United States. This beautiful Victorian style house is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory. It sits on Massachusetts Avenue, not far from the British Embassy. Since 1974, it has been the place where the Vice President and their family live.
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One Observatory Circle: Home of the Vice President
One Observatory Circle is more than just a house; it's a historic landmark. It serves as a private home for the Vice President and their family, but it also hosts important meetings and events. It's a place where leaders from around the world are welcomed.
A Historic Home for Leaders
The house itself has a long and interesting history. It was built a long time ago, even before it became the Vice President's home.
The house was finished in 1893. It was designed in the Queen Anne style, which was popular back then. It was originally built for the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Observatory. This observatory is a scientific center that studies the stars and helps keep track of time. The house was a grand home for the person in charge of this important work.
Becoming the Vice President's Residence
For many years, the house was used by Navy officials. However, by the 1970s, people realized that the Vice President needed a proper official home. Before this, Vice Presidents had to pay for their own homes or live in temporary places. In 1974, Congress decided that One Observatory Circle would become the official residence for the Vice President.
The first Vice President to live there was Nelson Rockefeller, but he mostly used it for entertaining. The first Vice President to actually live there full-time was Walter Mondale in 1977. Since then, every Vice President has called One Observatory Circle home.
Life at the Residence
Living at One Observatory Circle is a unique experience. The house is big and comfortable, with many rooms for living, working, and entertaining. It has a broad porch that wraps around the front, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
Special Events and Traditions
The Vice President's residence is often used for official events. These can include welcoming foreign leaders, hosting special guests, or holding press conferences. It's also a place where the Vice President's family can enjoy some private time. For example, some Vice Presidents have hosted fun events like Halloween parties for local children, making the historic house a place of joy and community.
Images for kids
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The Queen Anne style house in 1895; built of terracotta brick, it was unpainted until 1960
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Vice President Walter Mondale and his wife host President and Mrs. Carter in 1977
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A broad porch wraps around the front of the house, photographed during the time of Vice President Al Gore
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President-elect George H. W. Bush and Second Lady Barbara, after he was elected president on November 9, 1988
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Vice President Dick Cheney meeting with Vice President-elect Joe Biden, on November 13, 2008
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Halloween fun during the time of Vice President Mike Pence in 2019
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See also
In Spanish: Rotonda del Observatorio número 1 para niños
