The White House, home to every American president since John Adams, is the most famous house in the United States – and possibly the world. George Washington chose the location for the iconic home in 1791, and construction began the following year using a design by Irish-born architect James Hoban.
Eight years after construction on the White House began, President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams “moved into the still-unfinished residence,” according to the official White House website.
British forces set the White House on fire during the War of 1812, but the building was quickly rebuilt, allowing President James Monroe to move into the residence in 1817. The South Portico was constructed during Monroe’s administration, and construction on the North Portico was begun in 1829 while Andrew Jackson was president. In the late 1800s, several plans called for expanding the White House, or even replacing it entirely, but none were ever carried out.
The president’s home has gone through multiple major renovations over the years, including during President Theodore Roosevelt’s administration and while President Harry S. Truman was in office.
The White House boasts 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms across six levels, as well as 412 doors, 28 fireplaces, 147 windows, three elevators, and eight staircases. The White House kitchen can prepare dinner for about 140 guests and hors d’oeuvres for more than 1,000.
Maintaining the house’s iconic white exterior requires 570 gallons of paint. President Theodore Roosevelt gave the White House its world-famous name in 1901. Throughout history, the White House has been referred to as the “Executive Mansion,” the “President’s Palace,” and the “President’s House.”
