Politics

Did Slaves Really Build The White House?

The veracity of this statement has been hotly contested since First Lady Michelle Obama made it last night.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama

During an address given at the Democratic National Convention last night, First Lady Michelle Obama said that she “wake[s] up every morning in a house that was built by slaves,” referring to the White House. Is this a true statement?

Hint: The veracity of First Lady Obama’s remark has been hotly contested since it was made last night, but the date that construction began on the presidential residence, 1792, may offer some assistance for those who are familiar with America’s history.

See the answer on the next page.


Staci Zaretsky is an editor at Above the Law. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. Follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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