-
President George Washington selects sites flanking the White House as location for Executive Offices. Designs approved on his last day in office. Construction delayed due to lack of funds.
-
Construction begins on War Department building southwest of White House to also house the Navy and State Departments.
-
Executive office buildings and White House burned by British troops, but later reconstructed with additional floors. Two buildings added north of the original two. State Department in the northeast building. Treasury Department in rebuilt southeast building. War Department in the northwest building. Navy Department in the southwest building.
-
Construction begins for new Treasury Department.
-
Old State Department building demolished to build Treasury building extension. State Department moves to a former orphanage building at S and 14th Streets, NW.
-
State Department Library construction is completed.
-
East wing completed and ready for occupancy. War and Navy move in. Demolition of old War Department building. Ground broken for north wing on site of old War Department building. First telephone and telegraph lines available for State and Navy Departments.
-
First light bulb used in the south wing in the State Department Diplomatic Reception Room.
-
Telephone service becomes available for entire building.
-
Gas system removed and first electric system installed throughout the building. All building interiors repainted.
-
Electric elevators replace hydraulic elevators.
-
War Department vacates building.
-
Lafayette Square restoration project recommends restoration and continued use of buildings as executive offices.
-
Historic restoration of spaces within the building to their appearance at the time of completion begins.
-
The internet made its debut in the mansion under the watch of George H.W. Bush.
-
The West Wing is completely renovated in a two year project. All ameneties were updated along with paint and flooring.
