Samuel Osgood House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Samuel Osgood House |
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|---|---|
First Presidential Mansion,
occupied by George Washington, April 1789 – February 1790 |
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| General information | |
| Address | 1 Cherry Street |
| Town or city | New York City |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 40°42′34.3″N 74°00′05.4″W / 40.709528°N 74.001500°W |
| Construction started | 1770 |
| Demolished | 1856 |
| Client | Walter Franklin |
The Samuel Osgood House was a large, fancy home in New York City that was torn down in 1856. It was also known as the Walter Franklin House. This house was very important because it served as the very first home for a U.S. President. George Washington, his family, and his staff lived there from April 1789 to February 1790. At that time, New York City was the capital of the United States.
Contents
The First Presidential Home
The house was built in 1770 by a merchant named Walter Franklin. Later, it belonged to Samuel Osgood, a politician and lawyer from Massachusetts. He married Walter Franklin's widow, Maria Bowne Franklin.
Washington Moves In
The U.S. Congress rented the house for George Washington. He moved in about a week before he became the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789.
A Busy Presidential Space
The Osgood House was more than just a home. It also had Washington's private office, which was like today's Oval Office. There was also a public business office, similar to the West Wing of the White House. This made the Samuel Osgood House the first official place where the President and his team worked for the U.S. government.
People were very excited about the new President and his home. One person wrote about how beautiful the house was, with "the best of furniture" and "the richest kinds of Turkey and Wilton carpets." They said, "There is scarcely anything talked about now but General Washington and the Palace."
Household Staff and Family
About 20 people worked in the house to help the President and his family. These workers included people who were paid, people who worked to pay off a debt (indentured servants), and enslaved people. At that time, slavery was legal in New York. Washington brought seven enslaved people from his home in Virginia, Mount Vernon, to work in the presidential household. Their names were William Lee, Christopher Sheels, Giles, Paris, Austin, Moll, and Oney Judge.
Two of Martha Washington's grandchildren also lived in the house with them: Nelly Custis and "Wash" Custis.
President Washington's Health
Soon after he became President, Washington became very sick. To make sure he was not disturbed, the street outside the house was closed off.
Moving On and Demolition
The government rented the Osgood House for one year. However, President Washington moved out after only ten months. A bigger house became available, and he moved to the Alexander Macomb House on Broadway in February 1790.
In July 1790, a law called the Residence Act was passed. This law decided that the national capital would move to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for ten years. During this time, a permanent capital city was being built in what is now District of Columbia.
The Samuel Osgood House was torn down in 1856. Today, you can find a bronze plaque where Pearl Street goes under the Brooklyn Bridge. This plaque marks the spot where the important first Presidential Mansion once stood.
Images for kids
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1899 DAR plaque
