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The layout
The cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792, and over the next eight years a construction team comprised of both enslaved and freed African Americans and European immigrants built the Aquia Creek sandstone structure. -
It was built
The White House was built October -
More renovations
Thomas Jefferson added his own personal touches upon moving in a few months later, installing two water closets and working with architect Benjamin Latrobe to add bookending terrace-pavilions. -
White House rebilt
Rebuilt after a British attack in 1814 -
New addition
The building’s South and North Porticoes were added in 1824 and 1829, respectively, while John Quincy Adams established the residence’s first flower garden. -
New wing
William Taft hired architect Nathan Wyeth to expand the executive wing in 1909 -
More
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. -
Remodeling
The building underwent major structural changes in the early 1900s under Teddy Roosevelt -
Living space
Counting the Oval Office and the Rose Garden among its famous features, it remains the only private residence of a head of state open free of charge to the public. -
More
A final major overhaul took place after Harry Truman entered office in 1945. With structural problems mounting from the 1902 installation of floor-bearing steel beams -
More renovations
A final major overhaul took place after Harry Truman entered office in 1945. 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. -
Over time
Over the course of 1969-70, a porte-cochere and circular drive were added to the exterior of the West Wing, with a new press briefing room installed inside. Following a 1978 study to assess the exterior paint, up to 40 layers were removed in some areas, allowing for repairs of deteriorated stone. -
Obama
In the time Obama was in the house he made lots of additions like adding a basketball cot and The First Lady recently renovated the White House dining room, making it one of the first rooms in the historical home to get a modern update.
