Blanche Kelso Bruce House

Blanche Kelso Bruce House

The Blanche K. Bruce House is a historic house at 909 M Street NW in Washington, D.C.. Built in 1865, it was a home of slave-born Blanche K. Bruce (1 March 1841 – 17 March 1898), who was the first African-American to serve a full term in the U.S. Senate.

Bruce was also briefly served as the Presiding Officer of the United States Senate in 1879, the only former slave to do so. During his term, Bruce advocated for the integration of the United States Army, and for policies supporting the needs of poor (and recently freed) African Americans.

Bruce remained in Washington after his term ended in 1881, serving as the districts recorder of deeds, and as a trustee of Howard University.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

This house is a private residence and not open to the public.