Penn-Knox in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Germantown White House
Deshler-Morris House
— Enter through the building to your right → —
President George Washington twice lived in the Deshler-Morris House (on your left). 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. Enslaved Africans from Mt. Vernon, along with paid and indentured staff served the household.
[Caption:]
President Washington met with his cabinet here in November 1793 to resolve domestic and foreign crises that threatened the new nation.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Events
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Location. 40° 2.038′ N, 75° 10.335′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Penn-Knox. Marker is on Germantown Avenue close to Church Lane, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5442 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia PA 19144, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Germantown White House (here, next to 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); Delplaine House (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisa May Alcott (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.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on December 1, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
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