Center City East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
History Lost & Found
| | The President's House | |
Discoveries
Washington's letters talked about changes he planned to make to the house. These letters, along with other documents, helped show what the original house looked like and how it was later altered. Archeologists also uncovered a hidden kitchen basement and an underground passage that connected it to the main house.
The uncovered foundation confirmed the addition of a two-story bow window that President Washington added for formal events. Although no objects belonging directly to the president were found, the basement foundations themselves are the most important discoveries.
"P.S. In a fortnight or 20 days from this time it is expected Mr Morris will have removed out of the HouseIt is proposed to add Bow Windows to the two public rooms inthe South front of the House 14But as all the other apartments will be close & secure the sooner after that time you can be in the House with the furniture, the better, that you may be well fixed and see how matters go on during my absence."
Excerpt of letter from George Washington to his perosnal secretary Tobias Lear, September 5, 1790
[Caption:]
Archeologists rely on primary source documents to guide excavations and uncover hidden history. This plan of the "Burnt House" shows how it likely appeared in 1781, when Robert Morris took possession, while a letter from George Washignton to his secretary Tobias Lear pointed them to a bow window. Excavators were thrilled to discover the window's foundation during the dig.
Erected 2026
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 5, 1790.
Location. 39° 57.027′ N, 75° 9.004′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Center City East. It is at the intersection of South 6th Street (County Road 2005) and Market Street (County Road 2004), on the left when traveling south on South 6th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 598 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Executive Mansion (here, next to this marker); The President's House (here, next to this marker); William Howe (here, next to this marker); Treaties and Appointments (here, next to this marker); State of the Union (here, next to this marker); Commander in Chief (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Dirty Business of Slavery (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); The House & the People Who Worked & Lived In It (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named History Lost & Found (has been replaced with this marker); Mount Vernon to Philadelphia (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Keeper of the House (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "I will fear no Evil" (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Suppressing the Opposition (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Washington's Death and a Renewed Hope for Freedom (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "An Act respecting fugitives from Justice" (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Awarding a Peace Medal (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker. Note that the new marker does not mention people enslaved by the George Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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