2. The White House, Washington D.C.
The White House stands as a symbol of democracy and leadership, yet its construction is deeply intertwined with America’s somber history of slavery. The iconic residence of U.S. presidents was built using the labor of enslaved African Americans and other workers. This aspect of its history is often overshadowed by its political significance but remains a crucial part of its story. Despite its association with freedom and governance, the White House’s foundations were literally and figuratively built on the backs of those who were denied their own freedom. Learn more about this history.
