President's House (Gallaudet College)
Historic house in Washington, D.C., United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The President's House is a historic residence that was built in 1868.[2] It is on the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. On campus, it is known as the Edward Miner Gallaudet Residence, after the university's first president, who was the first to occupy the house. Commonly known as House 1 It is a 35-room High Victorian Gothic mansion.[3] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.[1] The house has continuously served as the residence for the university's president, making it closely tied to the leadership and development of Gallaudet University.
President's House, Gallaudet College | |
 | |
  Location in Washington, D.C. | |
| Location | 7th St. and Florida Ave., NE., Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°54′22″N 76°59′50″W |
| Built | 1868 |
| Architect | Frederick Clarke Withers |
| Architectural style | High Victorian Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002172[1] |
| Added to NRHP | February 15, 1974 |
Architecture and Construction
The President's house was built using detailed construction plans developed in 1866, which emphasized the use of strong, high quality materials such as brick, stone, and slate. The building features thick masonry walls, a solid stone foundation, and a slate roof, all designed to ensure durability and long term use. The design reflects the high Victorian Gothic style, combining structural strength and decorative detail.
Construction documents show that careful attention was given to features such as drainage systems, window and door framings, and interior supports, highlighting the level of planning.
Historical Significance
House One is historically significant not only for its architectural features but also its connection to the development of Deaf education in the United States. As the residence of Edward Miner Gallaudet, the house represents leadership during a period of expanding educational opportunities following the Civil War, this period associated with reconstruction, saw increased efforts to build a more inclusive society by expanding access for marginalized groups. Gallaudet University, and by extension House One, reflects these broader social changes by providing educational opportunities for the Deaf community.