 |
 |
 |
|
| USA White House Congress Political Parties Announcements Links Contact Us |
In December of 1790 President George Washington, together with city planner Pierre L’Enfant, declared that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square…on the river Potomac." The current site for the new residence, which is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was chosen and as preparations began for the new federal city, a competition was held to find a builder of the "President’s House." Nine proposals were submitted, and Irish-born architect James Hoban won a gold medal for his practical and handsome design. Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Although President George 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 residents, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in. Since that time, each President has made his own changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President’s private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge. |
Home
|
|
|
Site Map | |||
