Since Vice President Walter Mondale, every Vice President of the United States has called a specific residence home. But this isn’t just any house; it’s a historic home located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. This unique arrangement came about due to practical and security concerns, evolving from a time when Vice Presidents lived in their private residences. Let’s delve into the details of where the Vice President lives and the fascinating history behind this official residence.
Number One Observatory Circle: The Vice President’s Official Residence
The official residence of the Vice President is situated at Number One Observatory Circle, within the US Naval Observatory (USNO) complex in Northwest Washington, D.C. This elegant white house, dating back to the 19th century, was constructed in 1893. Originally intended for the superintendent of the USNO, its charm led to the chief of naval operations commandeering it as his own residence in 1923.
Alt text: Front view of Number One Observatory Circle, the white house serving as the official residence for the US Vice President, showcasing its historic architecture and well-maintained grounds.
Prior to the establishment of this official residence, Vice Presidents traditionally lived in their private homes. However, as security requirements for these private residences became increasingly expensive, Congress sought a more cost-effective and secure solution. In 1974, they agreed to renovate the house at the Naval Observatory to serve as the official home for the Vice President.
From Naval Residence to Vice Presidential Home
Despite the 1974 agreement, it took a few years before a Vice President actually resided at Number One Observatory Circle. Gerald Ford, who was Vice President at the time, ascended to the Presidency before he could occupy the house. His Vice President, Nelson Rockefeller, primarily used it for official entertaining rather than as a full-time residence. Walter Mondale holds the distinction of being the first Vice President to move into Number One Observatory Circle. Since then, it has been home to a succession of Vice Presidents and their families, including George H.W. Bush, Dan Quayle, Al Gore, Dick Cheney, Joe Biden, and most recently, Mike Pence and Kamala Harris.
This residence has not only served as a private home but also as a venue for official duties. Vice Presidents have hosted numerous guests at Number One Observatory Circle, including foreign leaders and dignitaries, highlighting its role in both personal and official capacities.
Alt text: Detailed view of the entrance of Number One Observatory Circle, emphasizing the architectural details and welcoming facade of the Vice President’s official home.
The United States Naval Observatory: More Than Just a Backyard
While Number One Observatory Circle provides a comfortable and secure home for the Vice President, it’s important to remember that it is located within the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory. The USNO continues its important scientific operations alongside its residential function. Scientists at the observatory are engaged in critical work, observing celestial bodies like the sun, moon, planets, and stars. They meticulously measure time and publish essential astronomical data used for accurate navigation and various scientific purposes. This unique juxtaposition of residential life and scientific research makes the Vice President’s living situation quite distinctive.
The Vice President’s Ceremonial Office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building
In addition to their residence, the Vice President also maintains an office in the West Wing of the White House and a ceremonial office located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB). The EEOB, adjacent to the West Wing, houses this ceremonial office, which was historically the office of the Secretary of the Navy when the building accommodated the State, Navy, and War Departments.
Alt text: Exterior shot of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, highlighting its architectural grandeur and its function as the location of the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office.
This office has a rich history, having been occupied by sixteen Secretaries of the Navy between 1879 and 1921. From 1921 to 1947, General John Pershing used it as Army Chief of Staff. Interestingly, President Hoover even temporarily relocated his offices here following a fire in the West Wing in 1929. Since 1960, every Vice President, except Hubert Humphrey, has utilized this office. It underwent restoration in the 1980s and is now primarily used for meetings and press interviews, serving a ceremonial purpose.
Inside the Ceremonial Office: History and Design
The ceremonial office was designed by William McPherson, a Boston decorator and painter. The room’s design features ornamental stenciling and allegorical symbols of the Navy Department, painted in Victorian colors. The flooring is crafted from mahogany, white maple, and cherry wood, and the office includes original Belgian black marble fireplaces. The chandeliers are replicas of gasoliers, which were originally equipped for both gas and electric power, reflecting a blend of historical design and modern functionality.
Alt text: Close-up image of the Vice President’s Desk in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, showcasing its historical significance and the signatures of past presidents and vice presidents inside its drawer.
One of the most notable items in the office is the Vice-President’s Desk. This desk is part of the White House collection and has been used by numerous presidents, starting with Theodore Roosevelt in 1902. Presidents Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, and Eisenhower also used this desk. After a period in storage, President Truman selected it in 1945, and every Vice President since Lyndon B. Johnson has used it. The inside of the top drawer bears the signatures of its distinguished users since the 1940s, adding to its historical significance. Additionally, a bust of Christopher Columbus, a historical artifact, was displayed in the office from 1898 to 1924, adding another layer to the room’s rich past.
Conclusion: A Unique Residence and Office for the Vice President
In summary, the answer to “where does the vice president live?” is Number One Observatory Circle, located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory. This historic house serves as the official residence for the Vice President and their family, providing both a home and a venue for official engagements. Complementing this residence is the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, a space steeped in history and tradition, used for meetings and official functions. Together, these locations underscore the unique position and responsibilities of the Vice President of the United States.
