The homes inhabited by American politicians are threads in the tapestry of American history just as much as the politics themselves. With Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announcing his intent to move into Gracie Mansion following his inauguration in January, we are entering a new era for the 'little White House.' However, the home's past is just as illuminating as its future.
Built by the merchant Archibald Gracie in 1799 as a country house overlooking the East River, Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the mayor of New York City. It is one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Manhattan. Located in Yorkville, a family-friendly neighborhood on the Upper East Side, its position in Carl Shurz park means it is still surrounded by greenery, even as the city has sprung up around the property.
