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Construction Begins
President George Washington selects sites flanking the White House as location for Executive Offices. Designs approved on his last day in office. Construction delayed due to lack of funds. -
War Department
Construction begins on War Department building southwest of White House to also house the Navy and State Departments. -
White House Burns
Executive office buildings and White House burned by British troops, but later reconstructed with additional floors. Two buildings added north of the original two. State Department in the northeast building. Treasury Department in rebuilt southeast building. War Department in the northwest building. Navy Department in the southwest building. -
Treasury Department
Construction begins for new Treasury Department. -
White House Renovated
Old State Department building demolished to build Treasury building extension. State Department moves to a former orphanage building at S and 14th Streets, NW. -
State Department Library
State Department Library construction is completed. -
East Wing Built
East wing completed and ready for occupancy. War and Navy move in. Demolition of old War Department building. Ground broken for north wing on site of old War Department building. First telephone and telegraph lines available for State and Navy Departments. -
New Lighting in the Whitehouse
First light bulb used in the south wing in the State Department Diplomatic Reception Room. -
Telephone Service
Telephone service becomes available for entire building. -
Energy Source Changes
Gas system removed and first electric system installed throughout the building. All building interiors repainted. -
Elevators
Electric elevators replace hydraulic elevators. -
War Department
War Department vacates building. -
Restoration of Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square restoration project recommends restoration and continued use of buildings as executive offices. -
Massive Renovations
Historic restoration of spaces within the building to their appearance at the time of completion begins. -
Internet
The internet made its debut in the mansion under the watch of George H.W. Bush. -
West Wing Renovation
The West Wing is completely renovated in a two year project. All ameneties were updated along with paint and flooring.
