History of the White House

Many people consider the White House to be the home and office of the most powerful person in the world, in today's era. The White House, located in Washington DC, USA, is home to the first family, or the family of the standing President. The White House has a very unique and an interesting history.

After the United States of America gained independence, plans to build a federal city as a place of administration were in process. To select the architect and engineer of the White House, General George Washington traveled to the proposed site of the federal city. On 16th of July, 1792, Washington selected, from among 9 plans submitted, a plan proposed by James Hoban from Charleston, South Carolina. It has been reported that General Washington was not happy with the initial plan proposed by Hoban, and recommended quite a few significant changes. General Washington recommended that the total plan be expanded by at least 30% of the proposed size. The reception room and the east wing of the White House is often said to have been inspired by the huge reception room of the Mount Vernon mansion, which was the first residence of General Washington.

The overall plan of the White House by James Hoban was influenced by a variety of buildings, such as the Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Parliament. Other Irish styled constructions too played an important role in the planning of the White House. Château de Rastignac, a neoclassical house in France is also claimed as a source of inspiration. This has, however, been highly criticized due to the fact that Hoban had never been to France. Some critics claim that Jefferson, on a visit to the Bordeaux Architectural College, admired the beauty of Château de Rastignac and subsequently described the Château to Washington and Hoban.

On 13th October, 1792, the cornerstone of the White House was laid. The initial construction took place from 1792 to 1800. During the course of construction, enslaved labor, freed slaves, and Europeans worked on the site. These workers built the foundation and main residence. Hoban also hired Scottish emigrants for the masonry work. The masons used sandstones extensively. Irish and Italian workers were hired for the brick and plaster work. An estimated amount of $232,371.83 was spent for the construction and the White house was ready to serve the President of the United States of America on 1st November 1800.

The first resident of the White House was John Adams. After Thomas Jefferson moved in as the third president, in 1801, two magnificent colonnades were added to hide the stables and the storage areas. In 1814, as a part of the 1812 War, the British invaded Washington DC and set the mansion ablaze. After partial reconstruction and repairs, President James Monroe took up residence in the month of October 1817.

Initially, it was named as the 'Presidents Palace', however, official records and documents referred to it as the 'Executive Mansion'. Due to the sandstone and white paint, it was called as the 'White House' by the locals. President Theodore Roosevelt officially renamed it as the 'White House' in 1901.

After renaming the mansion, President Theodore Roosevelt had a West Wing constructed and the executive offices were moved into it to avoid over crowding. President William Taft had the beautiful Oval office built. The White House was renovated in 1948 under the Truman administration, and the load bearing wooden frame was replaced with a steel frame.

After 1948, no major renovation or construction work has been undertaken. However, every first family that occupies the White House conducts minor restoration work. Every member of the first family adds a personal touch to the house making it even more beautiful. Today, the White House holds the second rank in the 'List of America's Favorite Architecture'.