East Germantown in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Germantown White House
Deshler-Morris House
— Independence Nationall Hist Park —
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011
1. The Germantown White House Marker
President George Washington lived here in the Deshler-Morris House twice. He came here first seeking refuge from the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. The “pure and healthy air” of the rural village of Germantown, six miles from Philadelphia, was safe from the disease. More than 4,000 Philadelphians died as the disease ravaged the national capital. Thousands of residents left the city for the comparatively disease-free countryside. The following summer Washington returned with his family, who had now joined him in Philadelphia.
This house thus became the first of many summer presidential retreats. Here the elder Washingtons relaxed with their grandchildren, Eleanor Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis, and enjoyed the pleasures of family life. The household was served by enslaved persons and servants, both hired and indentured.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.
Location. 40° 2.035′ N, 75° 10.328′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Germantown White House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Germantown White House (a few steps from this marker); Soldiers Monument at Germantown (within shouting distance of this marker); Reformed Church of Germantown (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisa May Alcott (within shouting distance of this marker); Delplaine House (within shouting distance of this marker); John S. Trower (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a picture of President and Mrs. Washington at home with their grandchildren as a servant looks on. An interior picture of the Germantown White House appears at the lower left of the marker. It contains a caption of “President Washington met with his cabinet here in November 1793 to resolve domestic and foreign crises that threatened the new nation.”
Also see . . . Deshler-Morris House.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011
2. The Germantown White House Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011
3. Marker on Germantown Avenue
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011
4. Identical Marker
An identical Germantown White House marker is located at the north end of the house.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011
5. The Germantown White House
Both Germantown White House markers can be seen in this photo on either side of the house.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 4, 2014
6. Rear Side of the Germantown White House
This is the only building where Washington worked as president that is still standing.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 4, 2014
7. President Washington's Office
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 4, 2014
8. The Germantown White House Dining Room
President Washington took his meals and met with his cabinet in this room. Among those who were here included Sec. of War Henry Knox, Attorney General Edmund Randolph, and Sec. of State Thomas Jefferson.
Photographed By Edward Savage, circa 1793
9. The Washington Family
This c. 1790-1796 painting of the Washington Family by Edward Savage hangs in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 5, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 4, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 9. submitted on December 11, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
