The White House
An American Treasure
Photographs from the200th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration
For two hundred years, the White House has stood as a symbol ofthe Presidency, the United States government, and the American people. Itshistory, and the history of the nation's capital, began when PresidentGeorge Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring thatthe federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten milessquare on the river Potomac." President Washington, together with cityplanner Pierre L'Enfant, chose the site for the new residence, which isnow 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As preparations began for the new federal city, acompetition was held to find a builder of the "President's House." Nineproposals were submitted, and Irish-born architect James Hoban won a gold medalfor his practical and handsome design.
Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of1792. Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the house, henever lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearlycompleted, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife,Abigail, moved in. Since that time, each President has made his own changes andadditions. The White House is, after all, the President's private home. Itis also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to thepublic, free of charge.
The White House has a unique and fascinating history. It survived a fireat the hands of the British in 1814 (during the war of 1812) and another firein the West Wing in 1929, while Herbert Hoover was President. Throughout muchof Harry S. Truman's presidency, the interior of the house, with theexception of the third floor, was completely gutted and renovated while theTrumans lived at Blair House, right across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nonetheless,the exterior stone walls are those first put in place when the White House wasconstructed two centuries ago.
Presidents can express their individual style in how they decorate someparts of the house and in how they receive the public during their stay. ThomasJefferson held the first Inaugural open house in 1805. Many of those whoattended the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol simply followed him home,where he greeted them in the Blue Room. President Jefferson also opened thehouse for public tours, and it has remained open, except during wartime, eversince. In addition, he welcomed visitors to annual receptions on NewYear's Day and on the Fourth of July. In 1829, a horde of 20,000 Inauguralcallers forced President Andrew Jackson to flee to the safety of a hotel while,on the lawn, aides filled washtubs with orange juice and whiskey to lure themob out of the mud-tracked White House.
After Abraham Lincoln's presidency, Inaugural crowds became far toolarge for the White House to accommodate them comfortably. However, not untilGrover Cleveland's first presidency did this unsafe practice change. Heheld a presidential review of the troops from a flag-draped grandstand built infront of the White House. This procession evolved into the official Inauguralparade we know today. Receptions on New Year's Day and the Fourth of Julycontinued to be held until the early 1930s.
President Clinton's open house on January 21, 1993 renewed avenerable White House Inaugural tradition. Two thousand citizens, selected bylottery, were greeted in the Diplomatic Reception Room by President and Mrs.Clinton and Vice President and Mrs. Gore.
The White House stands as a testament to American history and the presidency, a symbol deeply entrenched in the nation's identity. Its rich narrative begins with President George Washington's decree in 1790 to establish the federal government within a designated district, eventually leading to the selection of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as the site for the President's House.
Architectural nuances are key, and James Hoban's design, winning a gold medal in a competition of nine proposals, shaped the White House's iconic appearance. Construction commenced in 1792, overseen by Washington, yet he never inhabited the structure. The residence welcomed its first occupants, President John Adams and Abigail, in 1800.
A series of historic events have marked the White House's story—surviving fires in 1814 and 1929, significant renovations during Harry S. Truman's tenure, and the architectural evolution reflecting individual presidential styles. Thomas Jefferson's inaugural open house in 1805 set a tradition of public access, continuing, except during wartime, to this day.
Presidential receptions, such as Jefferson's New Year's Day and July Fourth gatherings, reflect the White House's openness. However, the sheer volume of attendees led to Andrew Jackson's flight to a hotel in 1829 and necessitated changes, like Grover Cleveland's grandstand review in front of the White House, which evolved into today's Inaugural parade.
Modern Presidents, like Clinton in 1993, revived traditions, welcoming citizens via lottery, highlighting the White House's ongoing significance in engaging with the public.
The White House's endurance through history, its architectural legacy, and the evolution of presidential traditions underscore its centrality in American culture and governance.
