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Creation of the White House

By Sidney C.
  • Architect James Hoban designs the White House

    Architect James Hoban designs the White House

  • George Washington selected the location for the White House

    George Washington selected the location for the White House

  • George Washington laid the first cornerstone of the building in a freemason ceremon

    George Washington laid the first cornerstone of the building in a freemason ceremon

  • The House was coated with a lime-based whitewash, giving it a color that contributed to its famous nickname

    The House was coated with a lime-based whitewash, giving it a color that contributed to its famous nickname

  • John and Abigail Adams became the first residents of the White House

    John and Abigail Adams became the first residents of the White House

  • Thomas Jefferson adds two water closets and terrace-pavilions

    Thomas Jefferson adds two water closets and terrace-pavilions

  • A "Pettibone" heating system is added to the White House

    A "Pettibone" heating system is added to the White House

  • British troops burned down the White House

    British troops burned down the White House

  • James Hoban is recruited once more to build the White House after it is burned down

    James Hoban is recruited once more to build the White House after it is burned down

  • The South Portico is added during Monroe's administration

    The South Portico is added during Monroe's administration

  • The East Room is furnished for the first time by Andrew Jackson

    The East Room is furnished for the first time by Andrew Jackson

  • The North Portico is added to the White House

    The North Portico is added to the White House

  • Running water is added to the White House

    Running water is added to the White House

  • Central heating is introduced to the White House

    Central heating is introduced to the White House

    (exact year is debatable, but it is between 1835 and 1840)
  • Gas lights replace candles for lighting

    Gas lights replace candles for lighting

  • Franklin Pierce installs a private bath

    Franklin Pierce installs a private bath

  • The first telephone in the White House is installed for President Hayes

    The first telephone in the White House is installed for President Hayes

  • Electric wiring is installed

    Electric wiring is installed

  • President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name

    President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name

  • Charles McKim completes a major renovation of the House

    Charles McKim completes a major renovation of the House

    Space for the living quarters was doubled, there was a new wing for the president and his staff, and a new area in the East Wing was added for receiving guests.
  • The Oval Office was added by William Howard Taft

    The Oval Office was added by William Howard Taft

  • After a fire, the Oval Office was remodeled by President Hoover

    After a fire, the Oval Office was remodeled by President Hoover

  • FDR adds a second floor and moves the Oval Office to the southeast corner

    FDR adds a second floor and moves the Oval Office to the southeast corner

    He also added a gymnasium and swimming pool.
  • A new East Wing is constructed

    A new East Wing is constructed

  • Truman's engineers completely rebuild the interior of the White House because they found it to be structurally unsound

    Truman's engineers completely rebuild the interior of the White House because they found it to be structurally unsound

  • Truman moves back into the White House after it was completely gutted during the "Truman Renovation"

    Truman moves back into the White House after it was completely gutted during the "Truman Renovation"

  • A porte-cochere and circular drive were added to the White House between 1969 and 1970

    A porte-cochere and circular drive were added to the White House between 1969 and 1970

  • A study was conducted to assess exterior paint, and around 40 layers of paint were removed

    A study was conducted to assess exterior paint, and around 40 layers of paint were removed

  • The Internet is added to the White House, courtesy of President George H.W. Bush

    The Internet is added to the White House, courtesy of President George H.W. Bush