Hercules Posey & the President’s House

Mar 2, 2026

A deep dive into the President’s House in Philadelphia and the contested displays about slavery there. Stories about the nine people George Washington brought to the house, especially Hercules Posey, his role as chief cook, and his eventual escape. Examination of legal workarounds to Pennsylvania’s abolition law and the long fight over how this site interprets freedom and memory.

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INSIGHT

Federal Removal Of Slavery Panels Sparked Legal Fight

The President's House site became a focal point in 2025 when federal removal of slavery-related panels sparked protests and litigation.
Judge Cynthia Roof ordered partial restoration, and by Feb 24 most video and glass panels were back but many metal panels remained missing.

INSIGHT

Philadelphia Was The First Federal Capital With Enslaved Staff

Philadelphia served as the temporary U.S. capital (1790–1800) and the Robert Morris House became the President's House for Washington and Adams.
George Washington brought at least nine enslaved people to the house, highlighting the contradiction between early federal liberty rhetoric and slavery's presence.

ANECDOTE

Hercules Came To Washington As Debt Payment

Hercules, likely born ~1747, was transferred to Washington after John Posey gave 26 people to Washington for debt repayment.
He trained as a cook at Mount Vernon, married Alice (a Custis estate woman), and fathered Richmond, Eve, and Delia.

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The President's House was the first home of the U.S. president in the temporary capital of Phildelphia. While George Washington lived there, he had nine enslaved people that we know of., including the cook, Hercules.

Research:

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