White House: Know Who Made It and Some Fascinating Facts

The White House is not just the residence of the President of the United States; it’s a symbol of American democracy and a witness to national history for over two centuries. It is situated at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., and stands as the oldest federal building and the most recognizable home in the U.S. and the world. 

But do you know who designed it, who never lived there, and that it has survived multiple fires and an assassination attempt? Let’s unravel the fascinating journey of this iconic structure.

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Who Made the White House?

The story of the White House started in 1792, when a public competition was held to design the President’s official residence. Among the many people there was Thomas Jefferson, the Secretary of State, who submitted under a pseudonym. But it was James Hoban, an Irish-American architect, who won the contest with his elegant design.  He won a $500 prize.

Later, the construction of this eloquent monument began with a cornerstone-laying ceremony on October 13, 1792. The ceremony was carried out by a group of Freemasons. George Washington supervised this project, but he never lived in the White House. That distinction went to John Adams, who moved in in 1800, even before the white house was fully completed.

A Quick Name Change and Its Symbolism

The White House was initially referred to as the “President’s Palace.” The building was renamed the Executive Mansion in 1810 to shed any associations with monarchy, and then the term “White House” was inspired by its whitewashed exterior, which gained popularity over time. Then, after gaining much attention, the place officially adopted the name ‘White House’ in 1901 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Fascinating Facts About the White House

• The first U.S. President died in 1799, a year before John Adams took office.

• The White House was set ablaze by British forces during the War of 1812. Only some outer stone walls survived, and the portrait of George Washington was saved by staff, including enslaved worker Paul Jennings.

• A Christmas Eve fire damaged the West Wing of the White House and the Oval Office during Herbert Hoover’s presidency. Hoover personally helped direct the firefighting.

• Teddy Roosevelt initiated the construction of its West Wing in 1902. Later, Taft added the Oval Office, and FDR expanded it further.

• A White House replica is in McLean, Virginia. It was built with real blueprints, including a copy of the Lincoln Bedroom and Oval Office, and is up for grabs for just $5 million.

• Despite the symbolic importance, the cornerstone laid in 1792 has never been found. Truman tried to locate it during renovations, but it remains hidden, possibly embedded within the Rose Garden’s stonework.

Conclusion

Today, the White House is not only home to the U.S. President but also is the nerve center of executive power, a historic site, and a tourist destination. It has endured years of wars, fires, political protests, and restorations, and is still standing tall as a symbol of the American spirit.