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Plans of the White House were formed
The plans to build the President’s Palace took place. James Hoban won a contest that was used to look for a builder. -
Cornerstone laid
The first cornerstone was laid and the building took 8 years after that to be built. -
Being painted white
A lime-based whitewash was used. This caused the House to be white and eventually led to the name the White House. -
First residents
John and Abigail Adams became the first residents. It wasn't completed and the cost was up to $232,372. -
First open house
After adding two water closets and terrace pavilions, Thomas Jefferson held the first inaugural open house in the White House. Also, the doors were opened for tours and receptions the same year. -
Burned down
The White House was burned down by the British and Hoban was brought back to rebuild almost from scratch. Parts of the original walls were able to be used again in the new one. -
Expanded executive wing
William Taft hired Nathan's Wyeth, an architect, to expand the West Wing. This resulted in the Oval Office. -
Fire in the West Wing
A fire during Hoover's presidency in the executive wing led to more renovations. They continued after Franklin Roosevelt entered office. -
New east wing
The cloakroom was transformed into a movie theater. -
New interior
A steel beam problem caused the interior to need to be ripped out. The Trumans redesigned most of the rooms and decorated the second and third floors. A televised tour of the redecorated rooms took place. -
West wing exterior additions
A circular drive outside the West Wing and a porte-cochere were added. -
Internet in the White House
George H. W. Bush was the first president to be in the White House with internet.
