This was an unfortunate byproduct of being the first official leader of a recently formed country.

Washington, the only president to be unanimously elected by the Electoral College, moved from his farm oasis in Mount Vernon, VA, into the city for the job of President of the US.

Congress leapt to make preparations and leased 3 Cherry Street, NY, from Samuel Osgood.

Unfortunately for us, the Osgood House was demolished in 1856.

But we do know how much was paid in rent: $845 per year, or $70 a month.

$70 equates to around $2,390.46 in today’s money.

(As a fun comparison, as of February 2024, the median rent in Manhattan was $4,230.)

Yet, NY did not hold Washington for long.

The city of brotherly love wanted its capital back.