Obamas will make history as first African - American first family in White House . Slaves often worked seven days a week to build White House , U.S. Capitol . Twelve presidents owned slaves ; eight owned slaves while in office . A list of construction workers building the White House in 1795 includes five slaves - named Tom , Peter , Ben , Harry and Daniel -- all put to work as carpenters . Obama : Obamas moving into White House ` ` a very great and hopeful sign ''
Obamas will make history as first African - American first family in White House . Slaves often worked seven days a week to build White House , U.S. Capitol . Twelve presidents owned slaves ; eight owned slaves while in office . Obama : Obamas moving into White House ` ` a very great and hopeful sign ''