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George Washington planned to build the President's House
George Washington planned to build an official President’s House in a federal district along the Potomac River took shape. -
Cornerstone of the White House was built
The cornerstone was laid on October 13th,1792. Irish-born architect James Hoban won the design -
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Construction of the White House
A construction team comprised of both enslaved and freed African Americans and European immigrants built the Aquia Creek sandstone structure. It was coated with lime-based whitewash in 1798, producing a color that gave rise to its famous nickname. -
First resident of the White House!
The house was not quite completed when John Adams and Abigail Adams became the first residents on November 1, 1800. -
Open House!
Thomas Jefferson held the first inaugural open house in 1805, and also opened its doors for public tours and receptions on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July. -
The burning of the White House
British troops set fire on White House in 1814. The President’s House was nearly left in its smoldering remains as lawmakers contemplated moving the capital to another city. Instead, Hoban was brought back to rebuild it nearly from scratch, in some areas incorporating the original, charred walls. -
William Taft expanded the White House
William Taft hired architect Nathan Wyeth to expand the executive wing in 1909, resulting in the formation of the Oval Office as the president’s work space. -
The Hurman's redesign the White House
With structural problems mounting from the 1902 installation of floor-bearing steel beams, most of the building’s interior was stripped bare as a new concrete foundation went in place. The Trumans helped redesign most of the state rooms and decorate the second and third floors.
