Updated May 25, 2023
About White House
The White House was made in 1791 by an Irish-born architect James Hoban. It was made after the first president, George Washington, selected the site and wanted to make The White House.
Quick Facts
- The plan was laid out in the year 1791.
- The cornerstone was laid along with a design in the year 1791.
- It took 8 years to construct the building
- President John Adam moved to the unfinished residence with his wife, Abigail, after 8 years.
Did You Know?
Britishers invaded the building back in 1812 and set fire to the site. Later, James Hoban was appointed to rebuild the house.
- After World War 1, James Monroe moved into the building. It was in the year 1817 when the South Portico was constructed. James Monroe made sure to construct the site according to the plan.
- Later in the year 1829, Andrew Jackson moved into The White House.
- Andrew Jackson constructed the North Portico.
- The President’s house was given a lot of recommendations. Later in the 19th century, many proposals were laid to build The White House.
People wanted to build new residences, but the plans were never executed.
Details on the White House
- A major renovation took place in 1902. It was under the present Theodore Roosevelt who wanted to renovate the building majorly.
- The major renovation included a relocation of the president’s offices.
- The office was on the second floor earlier but shifted to the newly constructed temporary building.
- This building was called the executive office building (now West Wing).
- McKim constructed the dream house of President Theodore Roosevelt.
- McKim was one of the famous architectural firms in New York. Mead and White were appointed for the project.
- The Oval Office was constructed in the large wing by the successor- President William Howard Taft.
- Roosevelt carried an appealing construction but needed better structural plans.
- This started showing its effect after 50 years when the building became structurally weak.
- Structural weakness was alarming. It was later renovated by President Harry S Truman.
Harry Truman
- He dismantled the outer walls.
- Architect Lorenzo Winslow carried out the construction in 1952.
- Harry Truman moved to The White House.
Construction
- After President John Adams, many constructions were made in the building.
- The construction was far behind the walls.
- Ground floor corridor rooms were made to the State Floor rooms. Earlier, the former was used as a service area. Here, countless leaders and others were entertained.
- It became a residence of the president and their family. It was also a living museum of American history (and continues).
A Quick Look
- There are 132 rooms in, with 35 bathrooms and 6 levels in the house.
- There are a total of 412 doors with 147 windows. Along with these, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators are present in The White House.
- A huge White House kitchen in the residence serves upto 150 guests.
- 500 gallons of paint is required to cover its surface. Its whitewash is far more than usual!
- It was earlier called the President’s Palace, the President’s House, or the Executive Mansion.
- President Theodore Roosevelt gave the official name of The White House in 1901.
Did You Know?
- The British burned the original White House in 1814, and only a small part remained. This included the painting of George Washington and some exterior stone walls.
- George Washington never lived in the White House, although he had a role in the executive residence’s creation.
- George passed away in 1799, and John Adams became the first president to live in the White House. Teddy Roosevelt created and facilitated the west wing.
- The building remains a living American history. This building tells a lot of stories.
- It is the home of the President of America and shall continue to make history.
