The cornerstone of the White House was laid in October of 1792 by President Washington. He oversaw the construction of the House but never resided there. In 1800, President John Adams and his wife Abigail moved into the White House and were the first to occupy it.

President George Washington declared that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square...on the river Potomac." President Washington, together with city planner Pierre L'Efant, chose the site for the new residence, which is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. After an open competition for the design, Irish architect James Hoban won a gold medal for his practical and handsome design.

The White House has a unique and fascinating history. It survived a fire at the hands of the British in 1814 (during the War of 1812) and another fire in the West Wing in 1929, while Herbert Hoover was President. Throughout much of Harry S. Truman's presidency the interior of the house, with the exception of the third floor, was completely gutted and renovated while the Truman's lived at Blair House, right across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nonetheless, the exterior stone walls are those first put in place when the White House was constructed two centuries ago.

There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases and 3 elevators.

At various times in history, the White House has been know as the "President's Palace," "President's House," and the "Executive Mansion." President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.

Medium : 1 print : wood engraving

Created/Published : Harper's Weekly, March 17, 1877

Creator : L.E. Walker, photographer

Housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Availability: Usually ships in one week

Product #: cph3c27061