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George Washington signed an Act of Congress
The history of the nation's capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790. -
The construction of the White House
Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. -
The White House nearly completed
It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife Abigail, moved in. -
The first Inaugural open house
Thomas Jefferson held the first Inaugural open house in 1805. He also opened the house for public tours, and it has remained open, except during wartime, ever since. -
The White House during the War of 1812
The White House survived a fire at the hands of the British in 1814 during the War of 1812. -
Another fire in the West Wing in 1929
Another fire in the West Wing of the White House in 1929 while Herbert Hoover was President. -
Interior of the White House
Throughout much of Harry S. Truman's presidency, the interior of the house was completely renovated. (1945/1953) -
President Clinton's open house
President Clinton's open house on January 21, 1993, renewed a venerable White House Inaugural tradition.