As Americans, we know a lot about the White House. The place where our past presidents have lived and worked, doing everything from delivering serious news to the nation to hosting Easter Egg rolls. But not much is known about the Vice President’s residence. In fact, you may not know that the Veep didn’t even have an official place to call home until the 1970s.
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But now that the country has its first Black second-in-command, we wanted to check out her beautiful 9,000-square-foot residence. Check out the place Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff call home.
Built in 1893
Number One Observatory Circle was originally built in 1893 to be the residence of the Superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory. But the Chief of Naval Operations loved the home so much, he took it for himself in 1923.
A Connection to Slavery
Although the most powerful Black woman in the country now calls Number One Observatory Circle home, the grounds have a painful connection to slavery in the past. The Navy bought the property from widow Margaret C. Barber who owned over 30 slaves.
A Connection to Slavery
Ms. Barber’s home was torn down shortly after she died of influenza in 1892. But in 2020, engineers found a connection to property’s dark past – the foundation of a smokehouse that was used by slaves to cure meat.
Serious Curb Appeal
Visitors are greeted by iron gates and the official seal of the Vice President of the United States.
Used for Political Statements
In 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbott dropped busses of migrants from the souther border in front of the Vice President’s home.
A Place to Live and Work
The home has plenty of space to live and work. Here, Vice President Harris hosts a breakfast meeting in one of the dining spaces for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other members of the Irish government for St. Patrick’s Day.
Becoming the VP’s Place
Before 1974, Vice Presidents always lived in their own private homes. But ensuring their safety became a challenge for the Secret Service over time, and in 1974, Congress agreed to make Number One Observatory Circle the official residence of the Vice President.
President Jimmy Carter’s Vice President Walter Mondale was the first to live in the home in 1977. Every other VP since, including Bush, Quayle, Gore, Cheney, Biden, Pence and Harris, has lived there.
Part of the United States Naval Observatory
Located two and a half miles from the White House, this 9,000-square-foot, three-story Victorian home sits on top of a hill on the 72-acre United States Naval Observatory compound.
The VP’s home only takes up 12 of the 72 acres. There are also landing areas for the President and Vice President’s helicopters, Marine One and Marine Two on the grounds. The grounds are also home to the United States Naval Observatory Master Clock, known for keeping precise time within ten nanoseconds.
A Sun-Filled Solarium
This sun-filled solarium was Joe and Jill Biden’s favorite room in the house for the eight years they spent living there.
A Backyard Pool
VPs who’ve lived in the home since the mid-1990s have former Vice President Dan Quayle to thank for helping their families stay cool in the summer months. Former President George H.W. Bush’s second-in-command added a swimming pool to the residence in 1991.
Plenty of Outdoor Space
The Vice President and her family have a beautiful view of the grounds from the home’s wrap-around veranda.
A Jogging Trail
During his time as Vice President, George H.W. Bush added a quarter-mile jogging track to the home when he lived there. He even continued to take runs on it after becoming President in 1989.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
The VP’s residence gets plenty of sunlight, thanks to lots of big bay windows throughout the home.
Lots and Lots of Rooms
Although it’s not known exactly how many rooms there are inside this beautiful mansion, some say there are at least 30, each with their own unique personality.
The Perfect Place to Entertain
With plenty of seating and a piano, the living room is a comfortable space for entertaining guests.
An Intimate Dining Room
The home’s dining room is seen here decorated for a dinner for Wounded Warriors being treated at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and their families hosted by then-VP Joe Biden.
A Place to Host World Leaders
Unlike the White House, the Vice President’s home isn’t open to the general public. But Vice Presidents have hosted world leaders over the years. This picture shows Vice President Kamala Harris before a breakfast with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
And Hip Hop Fans
In 2023, VP Harris hosted the ultimate outdoor party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop. Over 400 guests enjoyed performances from legendary artists, including MC Lyte, Common and Roxanne Shante.
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