Number One Observatory Circle
Number One Observatory Circle is the official residence of the Vice President of the United States, a 33-room Queen Anne-style mansion located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in northwest Washington, D.C.[1][2]Built in 1893 for the superintendent of the Naval Observatory, the structure originally housed naval officers and their families before undergoing significant refurbishment.[3][4]
In 1974, Congress designated it as the vice president's residence to provide a secure and dignified home comparable to other executive branch officials, with Vice President Walter Mondale becoming the first to occupy it full-time in 1977.[5][6]
The property, spanning approximately 9,150 square feet amid wooded grounds, features formal entertaining spaces, private family quarters, and enhanced security measures befitting its role in hosting diplomatic events and official functions.[2][1]
Unlike the White House, it offers greater privacy and space for vice presidential families, though not all occupants have resided there exclusively due to personal preferences or circumstances.[6][4]