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Although no formal ceremony was held, the construction of the White House began on October 13, 1792. It was primarily constructed by enslaved and free African-American laborers and cost an initial $232,371 (~$3,279,177 today). The White House was ready for occupancy by November 1, 1800.
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August 24, 1814, the White House was set ablaze by British forces. Although the exterior remained, most walls were torn down and rebuilt due to fire damages.
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In 1824, during the Monroe administration, the south portico was established. A French elliptical portico is often noted as the source of inspiration.
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Upon taking office in 1881, Chester Arthur planned renovations. He made continuous suggestions. Over twenty wagonloads of furniture and other items were sold at an auction.
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Theodore Roosevelt hired several designers in 1902 to expand the building, while keeping the neoclassical style. The family was given more room by moving office staff from the second floor to the new West Wing.
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By 1948, the White House was declared to be in danger of collapse due to the poor maintainence of the building. Thus, President Truman commissioned a reconstruction, which lasted 1949-1951. The final cost amounted to $5.7 million (~$53 million today). The project was finished by March 27, 1952.
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First Lady Pat Nixon refurbished the Green, Blue, and Red Rooms during the Nixon administration, 1969–1974. More than 600 artifacts were brought to the house and a single-lane bowling alley was added.
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In 2013, a set of solar panels was installed on the roof of the White House by President Barack Obama.
