Discovering the Top Features and Fascinating History of the White House

History of the White House

• The White House was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban and was built between 1792 and 1800.
• Hoban’s design for the White House was based on the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland, which was the home of the Duke of Leinster.
• The White House is made of white-painted sandstone and is neoclassical in style. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including during the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman.

Features of the White House

• The White House has a number of iconic features, including the North Portico, the South Portico, and the East and West Wings.
• The North Portico, which is the main entrance to the White House, is flanked by two sets of columns and features a triangular pediment with a sculpted eagle.
• The South Portico, which faces the National Mall, is similar in design to the North Portico and is used for ceremonies and events.
• The East and West Wings were added to the White House in the early 20th century and are used for offices and other functions.

Interior Spaces of the White House

• Inside the White House, there are a number of historic rooms and spaces that are open to the public on tours. These include the Blue Room, the Red Room, the Green Room, and the State Dining Room.
• The Blue Room is a formal reception room that is used for ceremonies and events, and it is decorated with blue damask wallpaper and white marble fireplaces.
• The Red Room is a smaller reception room that is used for entertaining and is decorated with red wallpaper and white marble fireplaces.
• The Green Room is a formal sitting room that is used for receptions and is decorated with green wallpaper and white marble fireplaces.
• The State Dining Room is used for formal state dinners and is decorated with gold wallpaper and white marble fireplaces.

Outdoor Spaces of the White House

• The White House also has a number of outdoor spaces that are open to the public on tours, including the South Lawn, the Rose Garden, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.
• The South Lawn is a large grassy area that is used for outdoor events and ceremonies, and it is surrounded by trees and flowers.
• The Rose Garden is a formal garden that is used for outdoor events and is planted with a variety of rose bushes.
• The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is a more informal garden that is used for relaxing and is planted with a variety of flowers and shrubs.

Special Events and Ceremonies at the White House

• In addition to the public tours, the White House also hosts a number of special events and ceremonies throughout the year. These include the Easter Egg Roll, the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, and the White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Visiting the White House

• Visiting the White House is a unique and exciting experience, and it is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Washington, D.C.
• To take a tour of the White House, visitors must request a tour through their member of Congress or embassy. Tour availability is limited, and requests should be made at least 21 days in advance.
• Tours are free of charge, and tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Whether you are a history buff, a political enthusiast, or just someone who is interested in experiencing a piece of American culture, a tour of the White House is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.