The home and executive office of the President of USA, the White House, has stood as a symbol of the government and power of America for over two hundred years. The White House replicates the vision of George Washington in the design and magnitude of the presidential office. George Washington, however, could not live in the White House as he died before the construction was completed. President John Adams and his wife Abigail were the first occupants of the White House. The White House is a national icon and was ranked second in the country’s favorite architecture list by the American Institute of Architects. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said that the White House is “owned by all American people” and the current President and First Lady call it the “People’s House”.
The White House survived fire twice. In 1814 (during the course of the War of 1812) the British set fire to the White House. James Hoban was commissioned to rebuild the house and President James Monroe moved here in 1817. During his presidency, in 1824, the South Portico was added and the North Portico was added in 1829 during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. In 1902, the White House underwent a major renovation and the President’s offices were moved to the West Wing. During President William Howard Taft’s presidency the Oval Office was added.
During Harry S. Truman’s presidency, the interior of the house was completely gutted and renovated. During this period, President Truman had to live at Blair House, right across Pennsylvania Avenue. Previously known as President’s Palace, Executive Mansion, and President’s Home, the White House got its current name in 1901. Currently the White House has 132 rooms spread over 6 levels.
White House Map
Facts about White House
- The site for the White House was chosen in 1791 by the first President of the US, George Washington. The construction of the White House began in 1792. Architect James Hoban’s design was selected in a design competition.
- President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams became the first residents of the White House when they moved here in 1800.
Where is White House?
White House, the official residence to every US President since John Adams, is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. It is located at the north-western end of the National Mall. The Ellipse, the public park and the National Christmas Tree are located south of the White House. This district can be easily reached by train, buses, and flights; Washington D.C. has three airports which receives regular flights. Two of the major airports near White House are Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU / KMMU) 26 miles from the center of Whitehouse Station, NJ. Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN / KTTN) is 31 miles from Whitehouse Station, NJ. To move around D.C. and reach the White House buses, metro and private cars are the best options. Cars can be parked at the parking area near the National Mall.
White House Address:
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20500, United States
White House Number:
+1 202-456-1111
Best time to visit White House
One can visit White House throughout the year on specific days and timings. It is important to note that the White House tours are booked in advance.
White House Hours
Self-guided public tours to the White House are available on request through one’s Member of Congress or through one’s embassy in Washington D.C. (for foreign nationals). The tours are available between 7:30 am and 11:30 am Tuesday through Thursday, between 7:30 am and 12:00 pm and between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm Friday and Saturday (excluding federal holidays). Requests are placed between 6 months and 21 days ahead of the planned White House tour through one’s Congressman or Embassy.
White House Tickets
White House Tour is free of charge. It must be noted that these tours may be cancelled anytime by the authorities.
More on White House
Nearby Attractions : American History Museum, Antietam National Battlefield Site, David Wills House, Gettysburg National Military Park, Manassas National Battlefield, The Capitol Building, The Mall.
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