Number One Observatory Circle

Number One Observatory Circle is the official residence of the Vice President of the United States and his family.

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Located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, the house was built in 1893 for its superintendent. In 1923, the Chief of Naval Operations loved the house so much that he took over the house for himself. It remained the residence of the CNO until 1974, when Congress had the house refurbished and turned it into the official residence of the vice president.

Related Topics:
United States Naval Observatory - Washington, DC - 1893 - Superintendent - 1923 - Chief of Naval Operations - 1974 - Congress

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Before that time, the vice president lived in his own home, but the cost of providing security for these private residences had become prohibitive.

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Although Number One Observatory Circle was made available to the vice president in 1974, three years passed before a vice president lived in the home. Vice President Gerald Ford became president before he could use the home, and his vice president, Nelson Rockefeller, only used the home for entertaining since he already had a luxury residence in Washington. Vice president Walter Mondale was the first vice president to move into the home and every vice president since has lived in the house.

Related Topics:
Gerald Ford - Nelson Rockefeller - Walter Mondale

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The vice presidential mansion was refurbished by the United States Navy in early 2001, only slightly delaying the move of new vice president Dick Cheney and his family.

Related Topics:
United States Navy - 2001 - Dick Cheney

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