The White House is one of the most famous buildings in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. However, only a few have a deep understanding of its structure and history. In this article, we will provide information on the overview, structure, and history of the White House to serve as a reference for those planning to visit the U.S. capital, Washington D.C.
Name of the White House
The White House was completed during the presidency of the 2nd President, John Adams. It did not have its current white appearance back then. It was originally referred to as the “President’s Palace” or “President’s Mansion,” and later, Dolley Madison called it the “President’s Castle.” After a major renovation following the war, people began to call it the “White House” due to its distinctive white exterior. It wasn’t officially named the “White House” until the 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, named it so in 1901, before which it was known as the “Executive Mansion.”
Architecture of the White House
Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in the heart of Washington D.C., the White House is a four-story building with two basement levels, covering an enormous area of 5,100 square meters. It is divided into the central Residence and the East Wing and West Wing, which extend on the east and west sides, respectively. Each room in the White House serves a specific purpose.
The Lengthy Construction of the White House
The White House was designed by architect James Hoban, who was appointed by the first President, George Washington. Construction began on October 13, 1792, but due to slow progress, the first President did not live to see its completion.
When the second President, John Adams, took office and moved in on November 1, 1800, the building was still not entirely finished. Subsequent to this, the building suffered damages from a fire during the War of 1812 and underwent multiple renovations, including the repainting of the walls in white. It was during the tenure of the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman, in 1952, that the White House took its present form.
The White House and American History
Having evolved and transformed with American history, the White House stands as a symbol of the nation’s growth. Today, it continues to receive more than 5,000 visitors from around the world who come to experience a piece of American history. In addition to its iconic white appearance, the White House houses rooms with colorful names such as the Green Room, the Blue Room, and the Red Room. If you’re visiting Washington D.C., the White House is an unmissable spot to immerse yourself in American heritage.
