The White House: History and Facts

The official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.

The White House and its grounds cover 18 acres.

Yes, the President of the United States lives in the White House.

John Adams was the first president to live in the White House.

The White House has over 100 rooms.

The White House was originally called the "President's Palace".

James Hoban designed the White House in the Palladian style.

The White House was built with sandstone, which gives it its white color.

James Hoban, the architect, designed the White House in the Palladian style, characterized by symmetry, columns, and a central pediment.

President Thomas Jefferson, known for his republican ideals, opened the White House to the public each morning, fostering a tradition of accessibility for future presidents.

The White House was intentionally located on Pennsylvania Avenue, symbolizing its connection to the US Capitol and emphasizing the unity between the executive and legislative branches of government.

During the War of 1812, British troops set fire to the White House, forcing President James Madison and his family to flee the city.

The White House was reconstructed after the fire, and architect Hoban included east and west terraces, a semicircular south portico, and a colonnaded north portico.

Despite its grandeur, the White House was envisioned as a temporary residence, a reminder that the president served the people and was not a ruler with absolute authority.

President Andrew Jackson’s inauguration in 1829 attracted a massive crowd, leading to chaos and damage to the White House interior due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of the public.

Prior to 1909, the president was personally responsible for paying the salaries of White House servants and the expenses of running the mansion, including official events.

In 1845, a refrigerator was installed in the White House, marking a significant step toward modern convenience in the presidential residence.

The White House became a symbol of national mourning after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.

The White House underwent various renovations and enhancements throughout the 19th century, including the addition of modern amenities such as gas lighting, electric lighting, and a refrigerator.

The White House was not always seen as a grand and stately residence; in fact, some foreign visitors described it as modest or even unimpressive.

Prior to the Civil War, many White House servants were enslaved people, reflecting the widespread use of slave labor in the United States at that time.

The White House, although a symbol of presidential power, was not designed to be a lavish palace, but rather a functional and humble dwelling.

Throughout its history, the White House has served as a symbol of American democracy, embodying the ideals of public service and the principle that political power ultimately resides with the people.

Irish-born architect James Hoban designed the White House in the Neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from Leinster House in Dublin, which today houses the Irish legislature.

Built between 1792 and 1800, the White House's exterior walls are made of Aquia Creek sandstone painted white.

President Thomas Jefferson, along with architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, added low colonnades on each wing to conceal stables and storage.

In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces set fire to the White House, causing significant damage.

Reconstruction efforts began immediately after the fire, and President James Monroe moved into the partially reconstructed White House in 1817.

Due to overcrowding within the executive mansion, President Theodore Roosevelt had all work offices relocated to the newly constructed West Wing in 1901.

President William Howard Taft expanded the West Wing and created the first Oval Office in 1909.

The White House complex includes the Executive Residence, the West Wing, the East Wing, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and Blair House, serving as a guest residence.

The President's House was part of Pierre L'Enfant's original plan for Washington, D.C., designed as a grand palace for the president.

Despite L'Enfant's grand plans, the White House built was only one-fifth the size of his original design.

The design for the White House was chosen through a competition, and Irish-American architect James Hoban won with his neoclassical design.

The White House's neoclassical design draws inspiration from Roman architect Vitruvius and Venetian architect Andrea Palladio.

The White House's upper floors also draw inspiration from Leinster House in Dublin, which later became the seat of the Irish parliament.

The White House's construction involved both enslaved and free African-American laborers, alongside European workers.

The sandstone used in the White House's construction was likely sourced from Aquia Creek in Virginia.

There are conflicting claims about the sandstone, with some sources suggesting it may have also come from the Croatian island of Brač.

While originally meant to be a grand palace, the White House was eventually built as a more modest residence, reflecting the republican ideals of the time.

The construction of the White House spanned eight years and cost a significant amount of money, reflecting the ambitious scale of the project.

Though not yet fully complete, the White House was ready for occupancy in November 1800.

The President's House in Philadelphia, a previous presidential residence, was later demolished in 1832.

President Washington personally met with James Hoban in Philadelphia to approve his White House design.

The White House was originally named "President's Palace", later "Presidential Mansion", and "President's House" before being called "The White House" in 1811.

During the burning of Washington in 1814, the White House was burned by British forces. Only the exterior walls remained and had to be torn down and rebuilt.

The White House's sandstone walls were initially whitewashed with a mixture of lime, rice glue, casein, and lead, giving it its white color and name.

Thomas Jefferson, the third president, added the East and West Colonnades, which concealed the White House's domestic operations like laundry, stables, and storage.

President Theodore Roosevelt established "The White House" as the official name in 1901 via Executive Order.

The White House's south portico was built in 1824 during James Monroe's presidency, and the north portico was constructed in 1830.

Both porticos, despite Latrobe's earlier proposals, were built according to James Hoban's design.

The Truman Balcony, which is located on the south facade, was constructed in 1946.

Italian artisans who worked on the US Capitol also carved the decorative stonework on both White House porticos.

The three-level southern facade blends Palladian and neoclassical styles.

The White House is made of sandstone, and its current white color comes from a mixture of lime, rice glue, casein, and lead used to whitewash it after construction.

The White House was originally intended to be a temporary residence for the President of the United States.

President Andrew Jackson's 1829 inauguration attracted a massive crowd, causing chaos and damage to the White House due to public enthusiasm.

A variation of the Ionic order was created for the North Portico, incorporating a swag of roses between the volutes, tying it to existing rose carvings above the entrance.

The overcrowded White House sparked concern about its location, which was prone to malaria and other health issues due to its proximity to a canal and swamps.

General Nathaniel Michler proposed relocating the presidential residence to Meridian Hill in D.C. as a solution to the White House's health concerns.

To address overcrowding and improve the White House, Chester A. Arthur ordered renovations upon taking office in 1881.

Tiffany designers were brought in to assist with the White House renovations under Arthur, leading to the removal and sale of much of its furniture and items.

Caroline Harrison proposed significant expansions to the White House, including a National Wing for art and a wing for official functions.

Theodore Roosevelt commissioned McKim, Mead & White to renovate and expand the White House in a neoclassical style, removing Victorian additions, and providing more space for his large family.

The West Wing was expanded under William Howard Taft, including the addition of the Oval Office, to provide additional space for the president's staff.

The White House was allowed to accept gifts of furniture and art for the first time in 1925, contributing to its ever-evolving collection.

Damage to the West Wing by fire in 1929 led to its reconstruction and the relocation of the Oval Office to its present location near the Rose Garden.

Decades of neglect, alterations, and expansions, including a balcony and an attic, severely damaged the White House's structure.

The White House was declared in danger of collapse in 1948, leading to President Truman's commission for a major reconstruction.

Truman's reconstruction involved a complete interior dismantling, construction of a new steel frame, and reconstruction of rooms, costing $5.7 million.

While preserving the White House's structure, much of the new interior was generic and lacked historical significance, with some original features lost.

Jacqueline Kennedy meticulously redecorated the White House, restoring its historical grandeur and acquiring valuable artifacts, with the help of notable individuals.

The first lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy, spearheaded a major restoration project of the White House in the early 1960s, aiming to restore its historical grandeur and authenticity.

During the Kennedy restoration, the White House's interior was redesigned to reflect specific historical periods, with each room featuring a distinct theme and style.

The White House was declared a museum by Congress in 1961, signifying its recognition as a national treasure and ensuring preservation of its historical artifacts and décor.

A key change implemented by the Kennedy administration was the establishment of a system for managing White House artifacts, with historic or artistic items being designated as such and preserved by the Smithsonian Institution.

The Committee for the Preservation of the White House, established by Congress, plays a vital role in approving any modifications to the State Rooms of the White House, ensuring that any changes maintain the historical integrity of the building.

Pat Nixon, the First Lady during the Nixon administration, spearheaded a significant renovation of the White House, adding over 600 artifacts and significantly expanding the White House's collection.

The Nixon administration introduced modern conveniences like a press briefing room and a bowling alley to the White House, reflecting the evolving needs and expectations of the presidency.

The Carter administration marked a turning point with the introduction of computer technology and solar panels to the White House, showcasing the adoption of eco-friendly measures and advanced technology.

The Reagan administration focused on maintaining and renovating the White House, but also saw the removal of the Carter-era solar panels, reflecting a changing emphasis on energy policy.

The Clinton administration oversaw a major refurbishment of several White House rooms, including the Oval Office, the East Room, and the State Dining Room, bringing a fresh perspective to the presidential residence.

The Bush administration's efforts focused on restoring the White House to a historical context, with the Lincoln Bedroom refurbished to its original style and other key rooms updated.

The White House has seen efforts to enhance accessibility for disabled individuals, with notable contributions from the Roosevelt and Clinton administrations, promoting inclusion and equal access.

The Bush administration saw the reinstallation of solar thermal heaters for water heating and the addition of solar photovoltaic panels, showcasing a renewed focus on sustainable energy practices.

President Obama's administration installed solar panels to power the president's living quarters, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy practices in the White House.

The East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, Family Dining Room, Cross Hall, Entrance Hall, and Grand Staircase are located on the State Floor of the White House.

The Diplomatic Reception Room, Map Room, China Room, Vermeil Room, Library, the main kitchen, and other offices are situated on the Ground Floor of the White House.

The Yellow Oval Room, East and West Sitting Halls, the White House Master Bedroom, President's Dining Room, the Treaty Room, Lincoln Bedroom and Queens' Bedroom, as well as two additional bedrooms, a smaller kitchen, and a private dressing room are on the second floor of the White House.

The White House Solarium, Game Room, Linen Room, a Diet Kitchen, and another sitting room are on the third floor of the White House.

The East Wing, which contains additional office space, was added to the White House in 1942 during World War II. The East Wing has intermittently housed the offices and staff of the first lady and the White House Social Office.

The Oval Office is the President's private office, located in the West Wing. It is known for its oval shape and the Resolute Desk.

President Thomas Jefferson held an open house for his second inaugural in 1805. The open house tradition continued until 1885, when Grover Cleveland replaced it with a presidential review of the troops.

The White House has been a target of security breaches, including a stolen helicopter landing on its grounds in 1974 and a stolen light plane crashing on the grounds in 1994.

Thomas Jefferson ordered the grading and planting of the South Lawn, which was used for public events before the North Portico was built.

The White House grounds were redesigned by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. in 1935. This redesign, based on English and Irish country houses, emphasizes nature's integration into the urban landscape.

Michelle Obama planted the White House's first organic garden and beehives on the South Lawn, providing organic produce and honey for state dinners and other official gatherings.

The White House is a symbol of American democracy, representing the ideals of public service and the unity of the executive and legislative branches.

Before its construction, the White House was originally intended to be a grand palace, but due to various factors, it was built as a smaller, more modest residence.

A 2005 incident where a student pilot accidentally breached White House airspace, prompting the evacuation of the White House and interception by fighter jets.

A 2015 incident where an intoxicated man's drone crash-landed on White House grounds, leading to a brief lockdown.

A 2023 incident in which fighter jets intercepted and forced a light aircraft to crash in Virginia after it violated Washington D.C. airspace near the White House.

The permanent closure of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House to vehicular traffic, implemented after the September 11 attacks.

The security measures taken by the Secret Service to protect the White House and its airspace, including the deployment of NASAMS units.

The suspension of public White House tours in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, aimed at enhancing security measures.

The resumption of limited public tours of the White House in 2003, requiring prior arrangements and background checks.

The temporary suspension of White House tours in most of 2013 due to budget constraints caused by sequestration.

Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the architect who designed the original plan for Washington, D.C., used 'Peter Charles L'Enfant' as his name on official documents.

The use of 'Peter Charles L'Enfant' as the official name for the architect of Washington, D.C., as stated by the United States Code and adopted by the National Park Service.