Blair House stands across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House at 1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Since 1942, the four connected townhouses have served as the President’s Guest House, so the complex is not open to the public. From outside, look for the distinct buildings that make up the site: Blair House, Lee House, Peter Parker House and 704 Jackson Place. Their nineteenth-century architecture and the history tied to the address make this a brief stop to pair with the White House area.
Four connected townhouses
The President’s Guest House is made up of four formerly separate residences: Blair House, Lee House, Peter Parker House and 704 Jackson Place. The nineteenth-century townhouses remain visually distinct, though they are connected. Blair House is the most prominent of the four.
The complex is across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. It is closed to the public, so plan to see the buildings from outside rather than expecting to enter.
Blair House and the Civil War
Blair House was built in 1824 and takes its name from Francis Preston Blair, its second owner. Blair advised President Andrew Jackson and later presidents.
In April 1861, Blair presented Colonel Robert E. Lee with President Abraham Lincoln’s request that Lee command the Union Army. Lee declined the offer. The episode is one of the historical events tied to the house.
FAQ
Can you go inside Blair House?
No. The complex is closed to the public, so visitors can admire it from outside.
Where is Blair House?
It is at 1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW, across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.
What is Blair House used for?
The four-building complex has served as the President’s Guest House since 1942.
