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2024-02-09 08:59:32

The White House

Official residence of US president.
Official residence of US president.
The White House, located in Washington, D.C., has been the residence of every U.S. president since 1800. Designed by architect James Hoban, it has undergone several reconstructions and expansions over the years.
1789
Evolution of U.S. Presidential Transportation
The transportation used by U.S. Presidents has evolved significantly over the years, starting from George Washington's horse-drawn carriage to the modern vehicles like 'Air Force One' and 'The Beast'.
1790-07
Residence Act designating the capital in Philadelphia
The July 1790 Residence Act designated Philadelphia as the temporary capital of the United States for ten years while the new Federal District was being built.
1790-11
Washington's occupancy of President's House in Philadelphia
Washington occupied the mansion of Robert Morris at 190 High Street, now 524–30 Market Street, as the President's House in Philadelphia from November 1790 to March 1797.
1790-12
Act of Congress signed for the federal government to reside in the nation's capital
In December 1790, President George Washington signed an Act of Congress declaring that the federal government would reside in a district not exceeding ten miles, marking the beginning of the history of the White House and the nation's capital.
1791
Selection of White House Site by George Washington
In 1791, George Washington, the first president of the United States, chose the location for the White House.
1792
The White House Established
The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, was established in 1792.
1792-07-16
Washington selecting James Hoban's design for the White House
On July 16, 1792, President Washington chose Irish-American architect James Hoban's design for the White House in an architectural competition.
1792-10-13
Construction of the White House Begins
Construction of the White House started on October 13, 1792, with the laying of the cornerstone. Enslaved and free African-American laborers, along with European and immigrant workers, were involved in building the main residence and foundations.
1796
Selection of Executive Offices Location by President George Washington
In 1796, President George Washington chose the sites flanking the White House as the location for Executive Offices. The designs were approved on his last day in office, but construction was delayed due to financial constraints.
1797-03
John Adams occupying High Street mansion
President John Adams succeeded Washington and occupied the High Street mansion in Philadelphia from March 1797 to May 1800.
1798
Relocation of Executive Office Location and Construction of Treasury Department
In 1798, the Executive Office location was moved closer to the Capitol, but former President Washington objected and successfully advocated for the original site. Construction then commenced on the Treasury Department southeast of the White House.
1800-11-01
White House Ready for Occupancy
Although not fully completed, the White House was ready for occupancy around November 1, 1800. Due to material and labor shortages, the final structure differed from the original grand palace plan by Pierre Charles L'Enfant.
1801
Thomas Jefferson moves into the White House
Thomas Jefferson moved into the White House in 1801, referring to it as a 'pleasant country residence'. Despite finding the house too big, Jefferson contributed to the design of the East and West Colonnades with Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
1805
Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Open House
In 1805, Thomas Jefferson held the first Inaugural open house at the White House, where he greeted guests in the Blue Room after the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. This event marked the beginning of a tradition where Presidents could express their individual style in receiving the public during their stay.
1811
Public Refers to the Building as the 'White House'
In 1811, the public started calling the building the 'White House'. A myth suggests that white paint was applied during the rebuilding after the Burning of Washington, giving the structure its namesake hue.
1812
Lucy Payne Washington's Wedding
Lucy Payne Washington, sister of First Lady Dolley Madison, had her wedding ceremony in 1812 at the White House.
1814-08-24
The Burning of the White House by British troops during the War of 1812
During the War of 1812, British troops marched into Washington, D.C. on August 24, 1814, and set fire to federal buildings, including the Capitol and the White House. President James Madison and his family were forced to flee the city.
1817
James Monroe Moves into the White House
In 1817, President James Monroe and his administration moved into the White House, where the South Portico was constructed.
1824
Construction of the South Portico
The south portico of the White House was constructed in 1824 during James Monroe's administration. It was designed by James Hoban and features decorative stonework carved by Italian artisans.
1829
President Andrew Jackson forced to flee to a hotel
During a chaotic event, callers forced President Andrew Jackson to seek safety in a hotel due to a threatening mob outside the White House.
1830
Construction of the North Portico
The north portico of the White House was built in 1830. It was also designed by James Hoban and features a variation on the Ionic Order with a swag of roses between the volutes.
1833
Construction of Executive Office Buildings for State, Treasury, War, and Navy Departments
Construction began on the Executive Office Buildings to house the State, Treasury, War, and Navy Departments. The buildings were strategically located around the White House.
1836
Treasury Department Fire
In 1836, the Treasury Department building was destroyed in a fire. As a result, Robert Mills was hired to design a new building that was considered 'fireproof'.
1841
William Henry Harrison Presidency
William Henry Harrison was the ninth President of the United States, serving briefly in 1841.
1842
Charles Dickens' visit to the White House
In 1842, English novelist Charles Dickens visited the White House but found the door unanswered. He let himself in and was shocked to see people spitting on the carpet. Dickens later commented on the conditions of the house.
1852
Thomas U. Walter's Executive Office Building Proposal
In 1852, Thomas U. Walter proposed the construction of a single executive office building west of the White House, similar in size to his design for the extension of the Treasury building.
1865
Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, leading to mourning at The White House. Mary Todd Lincoln grieved for her husband for five weeks, during which many White House holdings were looted.
1866
Alfred B. Mullett appointed Supervising Architect of the Treasury
Alfred B. Mullett was appointed as the Supervising Architect of the Treasury in 1866.
1869
Mullett prepares sketch for combined State, War, and Navy Building
In 1869, Alfred B. Mullett created a sketch for the combined State, War, and Navy Building as part of the design and cost estimation process.
1874
Mullett resigns as SAOT
In 1874, Mullett resigns from the position of Supervising Architect of the Office of the Treasury (SAOT).
1875
Hamilton Fish moves into south wing with his staff
In 1875, Hamilton Fish, who served as Secretary of State under President Grant, moves into the south wing of the State Department with his staff of 54. William Potter takes over as Supervising Architect of the Office of the Treasury (SAOT), succeeded by Orville Babcock three months later.
1876
State Department Library finished
In 1876, the construction of the State Department Library is completed.
1877
Last granite stone set in east wing, Thomas Lincoln Casey becomes SAOT
In 1877, the last granite stone is placed in the east wing of the State Department. Thomas Lincoln Casey assumes the role of Supervising Architect of the Office of the Treasury (SAOT) and oversees the final stages of the State Department's construction.
1879
Completion of East Wing for War and Navy Departments
In 1879, the East wing of the building was completed and made available for the War and Navy Departments to move in.
1881
James A. Garfield Presidency
James A. Garfield briefly served as the twentieth President of the United States in 1881.
1882
Assignment of Fourth Story and Attic by Congress
In 1882, Congress assigned the fourth story and attic of the building, except for...
1885
Grover Cleveland's Inaugural Parade Tradition
During Grover Cleveland's first presidency, he changed the tradition of accommodating large Inaugural crowds at the White House by holding a presidential review of the troops from a grandstand in front of the White House, which later evolved into the official Inaugural parade.
1891
First Lady Caroline Harrison's Proposed White House Extensions
In 1891, First Lady Caroline Harrison suggested major extensions to the White House, including a National Wing for a historical art gallery and a wing for official functions. The plans were devised by Colonel Theodore A. Bingham but were ultimately rejected.
1899
United States declaration of war against Spain
In 1899, Secretary of State John Hay hands the Spanish Ambassador his passport and credentials, signifying the United States declaration of war against Spain.
1901
White House Renamed by President Theodore Roosevelt
In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name, which has been used ever since.
1902
Renovation of the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt
In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt initiated a significant renovation of the White House, which included moving the President's offices to the newly constructed temporary Executive Office Building, now known as the West Wing. The renovation was carried out by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead and White.
1909
Expansion of the West Wing and creation of the Oval Office
In 1909, President William Howard Taft expanded the West Wing and created the first Oval Office, which was later moved and expanded.
1910
Construction of the Oval Office by President William Howard Taft
President William Howard Taft oversaw the construction of the Oval Office within an enlarged office wing of the White House. This addition became an iconic symbol of the presidency and the White House.
1913-03-15
Woodrow Wilson's First Press Conference
Woodrow Wilson conducted the first press conference on March 15, 1913, marking a significant moment in presidential communication with the media.
1920
Establishment of the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA)
In response to rumors about the Congressional Standing Committee of Correspondents choosing reporters for White House press conferences, eleven White House reporters founded the WHCA to support the interests of journalists covering the White House. Despite the rumors being false, the association continued to exist.
1925
Congress Enacts Legislation Allowing White House to Accept Gifts of Furniture and Art
In 1925, Congress passed legislation permitting the White House to receive gifts of furniture and art for the first time. This allowed for the enrichment of the White House's interior with donated items.
1927
Conversion of the third floor attic to living quarters
In 1927, the third floor attic of the White House was converted to living quarters by adding shed dormers to the existing hip roof.
1929-12-24
Fire Damage to the West Wing of the White House
The West Wing of the White House was damaged by fire on Christmas Eve 1929, leading to Herbert Hoover and his aides temporarily relocating. The damage required restoration efforts.
1929-12-25
President Hoover uses room 274 as office after Christmas Eve fire
Following a fire that damaged West Wing offices on Christmas Eve, President Hoover temporarily uses room 274 as his office.
1930
SWN renamed the Department of State Building
The Department of State Building was renamed SWN. Plans were approved by Congress to reface the exterior with Greek Revival style façades, but the project was halted in 1933 due to the economic downturn.
1938
War Department vacates building
In 1938, the War Department vacated the building.
1939
Bureau of Budget moves in from Treasury
In 1939, the Bureau of Budget relocated from the Treasury to the building, with the director holding office in room 252.
1941-12-07
Cordell Hull dismisses Japanese envoys after Pearl Harbor bombing
In room 208, Cordell Hull dismisses Japanese envoys after receiving news of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
1942
Addition of the East Wing to the White House
The East Wing, which contains additional office space, was added to the White House in 1942. It has housed the offices and staff of the first lady and the White House Social Office.
1944
The State Department Speaks broadcast series
Secretary of State Cordell Hull and other high-ranking officials broadcast 'The State Department Speaks' series from their offices in the building.
1947
Creation of National Security Council
The National Security Council was created in 1947 to advise the President on national security and foreign policy matters.
1948
Truman's Renovation of the White House
During Harry S. Truman's presidency, the interior of the White House, except for the third floor, was extensively renovated while the Trumans resided at Blair House.
1949
Building renamed the Executive Office Building (EOB)
The building is renamed as the Executive Office Building (EOB) in 1949.
1950
President Eisenhower starts using room 474 for press conferences
President Eisenhower begins using room 474 for press conferences in 1950.
1952-03-27
Truman Family Moves Back into the White House After Reconstruction
After the completion of the Truman reconstruction project, the Truman family moved back into the White House on March 27, 1952. The renovation included structural improvements and modern amenities.
1955-01-19
First Televised Press Conference by President Eisenhower
President Eisenhower held the first televised press conference ever in room 474 on January 19. It was a significant moment in the history of presidential communication.
1957
Eisenhower's Advisory Commission on Presidential Office Space
In 1957, Eisenhower's Advisory Commission on Presidential Office Space recommended the demolition of the Executive Office Building to construct a modern office building.
1960
Revival of Plan to Demolish EOB
The plan proposed by the 1957 Commission to demolish the Executive Office Building was revived and debated in Congress and the press in 1960.
1961-01-25
John F. Kennedy's First Live Televised News Conference
On January 25, 1961, John F. Kennedy became the first president to hold a live televised news conference, demonstrating his ease with the media. Extensive preparation was required for these major news events as television ownership grew.
1962-02-14
Valentine's Day televised tour of the White House by Jacqueline Kennedy
On Valentine's Day in 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy conducted a televised tour of the White House, showcasing her restoration efforts to the public.
1965
Official Portraits Tradition Begins
Since 1965, the White House Historical Association has funded the official portraits of presidents and first ladies, a tradition in the White House Collection.
1969
Establishment of The White House Office of Communications
In 1969, The White House Office of Communications was created to engage with a wider range of reporters and specialty media, including those without White House credentials.
1970
Establishment of Office of Management and Budget
The Office of Management and Budget was established in 1970 to assist the President in preparing the federal budget and oversee the implementation of fiscal policy.
1971
Executive Office Building on National Register
The Executive Office Building is placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
1972
Formation of Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs was established in 1972 to serve as a liaison between the White House and state, local, and tribal governments.
1974-02
Stolen U.S. Army helicopter lands on White House grounds
In February 1974, a stolen U.S. Army helicopter landed without authorization on the White House's grounds.
1975
Creation of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
The James S. Brady Press Briefing Room was established by the General Services Administration (GSA), the White House, and the Vosbeck, Vosbeck, Kendrick, and Redinger Firm in Alexandria, Virginia. It is currently known as the 'Press Briefing Room' and is utilized for press conferences, workspace, and broadcasting.
1976
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Established in 1976, the Office of Science and Technology Policy advises the President on the impact of science and technology on domestic and international affairs.
1977
Presidential Personnel Office
The Presidential Personnel Office, created in 1977, is responsible for selecting and vetting candidates for presidential appointments.
1979
Carter Administration's Sustainable Updates
The Carter administration introduced the White House's first computer and solar panels for water heating. The panels were later removed and reinstalled in subsequent administrations.
1981
Official White House Christmas Ornament Tradition Begins
Since 1981, the White House Historical Association has been designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament, becoming a part of the holiday tradition for many American families.
1983
Historic Restoration Begins at Executive Office Building
In 1983, the historic restoration of spaces within the Executive Office Building to their original appearance at the time of completion commenced.
1988
White House accredited as a museum
In 1988, the White House was officially accredited as a museum, recognizing its historical significance and importance.
1989
Establishment of National Space Council
The National Space Council was established in 1989 to coordinate space-related activities and policies across government agencies.
1991
Robert Pierpoint Elected Head of WHCA
Robert Pierpoint of CBS became the first non-print media journalist to be elected head of the White House Correspondents' Association in 1991.
1993-01-21
President Clinton's Open House
On January 21, 1993, President Clinton held an open house at the White House, renewing a long-standing Inaugural tradition. Two thousand citizens, chosen through a lottery, were welcomed by President and Mrs. Clinton and Vice President and Mrs. Gore in the Diplomatic Reception Room.
1994
Stolen light plane crashes on White House grounds
In 1994, a stolen light plane flown by Frank Eugene Corder crashed on White House grounds, resulting in Corder's immediate death.
1995-05-20
Closure of Pennsylvania Avenue
On May 20, 1995, Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House was closed to vehicular traffic primarily in response to the Oklahoma City bombing, later becoming a permanent closure post-9/11.
1999
Old Executive Office Building renamed Eisenhower Executive Office Building
In 1999, the Old Executive Office Building was officially renamed as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
2000
200th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration of the White House
The 200th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration of the White House showcased photographs highlighting the two hundred years of history of the White House as a symbol of the Presidency, the United States government, and the American people.
2001-09-11
Evacuation of White House during September 11 attacks
During the September 11 attacks, the White House staff and occupants were evacuated following a warning from the U.S. Secret Service about a potential aircraft threat, although no aircraft appeared.
2002-05-07
Rededication and renaming of Eisenhower Executive Office Building
On May 7, 2002, President George W. Bush and the Eisenhower family held a ceremony to rededicate and formally rename the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
2003
Installation of Solar Thermal Heaters and Solar Photovoltaic Panels at the White House
In 2003, the Bush administration installed solar thermal heaters to heat water for landscape maintenance personnel and the presidential pool and spa. Additionally, 167 solar photovoltaic grid-tied panels were installed on the roof of the maintenance facility.
2005-05-12
White House evacuation due to unauthorized aircraft approach
On May 12, 2005, the White House was evacuated after an unauthorized aircraft breached the grounds, prompting the pilot's identification as a student pilot who unintentionally entered the area.
2007
Ranking on America's Favorite Architecture list
In 2007, the White House was ranked second on the American Institute of Architects list of America's Favorite Architecture.
2009-01
President Barack Obama's Use of Social Media Platforms
President Barack Obama utilized various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to communicate policy priorities and connect with the public during his presidency.
2010
Commencement of a Two-Year Project on the West Wing
In September 2010, a two-year project began on the West Wing of the White House, creating a multistory underground structure.
2013
Installation of Solar Panels on the Roof of the White House by President Barack Obama
In 2013, President Barack Obama had solar panels installed on the roof of the White House, marking the first time solar power was used for the president's living quarters.
2015-01-27
Drone crash on White House grounds
In January 27, 2015, an intoxicated man lost control of a quadcopter drone that crashed on the southeast side of the White House, leading to a temporary lockdown by the Secret Service.
2021-03-21
Wreath Placement at James Hoban's Gravesite
The White House Historical Association placed a wreath at the gravesite of James Hoban, the Irish immigrant who designed and built the White House, in a ceremony held on Thursday, March 21 at 11:00AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
2022-11
Naomi Biden's Wedding on the South Lawn
Naomi Biden, granddaughter of President Joseph Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, had her wedding ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in November 2022.
2023-06
Interception of light aircraft near White House
In June 2023, fighter jets intercepted a light aircraft violating Washington DC airspace near the White House, which eventually crashed in Virginia, resulting in the death of all occupants.
2024-03-18
White House Address
On March 18, 2024, an address or event is scheduled to take place at the White House in Washington, DC.
2024-03-21
White House History with Margaret Brennan: Women in Diplomacy
The White House Historical Association's 2024 quarterly series, White House History with Margaret Brennan, will focus on the theme of Diplomacy and the White House. The event will specifically delve into the topic of Women in Diplomacy.
2024-03-28
Talks resume on bringing Israeli officials to the US to discuss Gaza operation
The White House announces that talks have resumed regarding bringing Israeli officials to the US to discuss the Gaza operation.
2024-04-04
Easter Book Signing and Meet the Authors
Authors Jonathan Pliska and Rocco Smirne will be hosted by the White House Historical Association on Easter Monday at the White House Visitor Center. Presigned copies of Gigi at the White House! by Giovanna McBride will also be available.
End of the Timeline
The White House

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The White House

Official residence of US president.
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