The White House (1866)

The two hundred year history of the White House began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square...on the river Potomac."

President Washington, together with city planner Pierre L'Enfant, chose the site for the new residence, in Pennsylvania Avenue. A competition was held to find a builder of the "President's House" and Irish-born architect James Hoban won a gold medal for his practical and handsome design.

The first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the house, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first resident, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in.

The White House was burned down by British soldiers during the War of 1812, but was rebuilt in 1817. As the years passed some improvements were made in the House: a stove, the telephone and electricity were added to the White House. Many Presidents who lived in the White House contributed to its improvement. In 1909 the President's office was remodelled and changed into an oval-shaped room, creating the Oval Office in the centre of the West Wing. Later steel framing was added to strengthen the walls and the original rooms were reconstructed.

Today the President's residence occupies 18 acres of land, the White House itself taking up 55000 square feet. Its height, width and depth are 70 feet (210 m.), 170 feet (510 m.) and 85 feet (255 m.) respectively. The White House has six floors: two ground floors, two floors for public receptions and two floors for the family of the President. Visitors, coming to the White House for excursions, have the opportunity to see the most beautiful and historic apartments. They can see the Green Room and the Blue Room, where ambassadors and ministers of foreign countries are received. They are shown the East Room which is used for public receptions. The Oval Room is the President's office, where he realizes his activities connected with the leadership of the country – he signs the bills and government decrees and meets his officials, visitors and guests.

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