Ironically, the White House, one of the most recognizable symbols of American democracy, was largely built by enslaved African Americans—a reality many Americans remain unaware of. This lesser-known chapter of U.S. history brings a new perspective to the White House and other historic government buildings in Washington, D.C., which were constructed with the forced labor of African Americans.

The Start of Construction

Construction on the White House began in 1792. Although the initial plan was to hire European laborers, there was a severe shortage of willing workers, leading officials to turn to enslaved people for the project. These laborers were recruited from nearby states like Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. area, and their contributions spanned almost every phase of construction. From quarrying stone and transporting materials to laying bricks, sawing lumber, and performing skilled carpentry, enslaved workers were essential to the White House’s construction and other iconic buildings, including the U.S. Capitol.

Enslaved Laborers and European Supervisors

While enslaved African Americans performed the hard labor, white and free European laborers supervised the construction. Workers from Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of Europe were hired to manage the project, acting as master stonemasons, carpenters, and architects. The enslaved laborers had no say in their work; instead, they were treated as assets rented from their enslavers, who received payment from the government for the enslaved workers’ labor. The federal government paid these enslavers approximately $5 per month for each laborer, reinforcing a system where the profits generated by these workers went solely to their enslavers.

The Exploitation and Erasure of Enslaved Labor in History

For years, the contributions of these enslaved individuals were erased or minimized in public history. The importance of their labor was largely ignored, with few records or historical accounts acknowledging their role in building the White House and other historic structures. It’s only in recent years that historians, advocacy groups, and institutions like the White House Historical Association have worked to bring attention to these untold stories.

In 2010, a plaque was added to the White House to honor the enslaved laborers, symbolizing a small step toward recognizing their vital yet overlooked contributions.

A Stark Contradiction: A Nation Built on Liberty Constructed by the Enslaved

The role of enslaved African Americans in building the White House reveals a painful contradiction in America’s founding ideals. A nation that proclaimed freedom and liberty was, in fact, built—quite literally—by people who were denied those very rights. This legacy brings to mind the resilience of enslaved African Americans and the lasting impact of their labor on the nation’s foundation. Recognizing their contributions highlights the depth of injustice in American history while honoring the strength and endurance of those who helped shape the nation, despite being oppressed.

Continuing Controversies and Calls for Recognition

Even today, the narrative surrounding the construction of the White House and other government buildings remains a deep cause for concern amongst African descent. Many call for further acknowledgment of the role that African Americans played in shaping these historic structures.

The U.S. Capitol, for instance, was also built with forced labor, with enslaved individuals cutting timber, laying bricks, and performing other arduous tasks. While these buildings stand as symbols of democracy and justice, they were erected by those denied those very rights.

The tragic irony and injustice behind these iconic landmarks buttress the shady legacy of American democracy. Recognizing this part of history doesn’t change the past but encourages a more accurate and inclusive account of the nation’s founding—a step toward honoring the true scope of contributions made by enslaved African Americans in building America.