The White House

Construction began on the White House in October 1792, and George Washington is the only President to not have lived in it. It is 55,000 square feet, and there are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.

History

History

The White House is part of the heart of the United States. George Washington himself selected the architect who would build it, James Hoban.

It has survived two fires: One that the British set in 1814 during the War of 1812, and then another one in the West Wing in 1929.

There are many important historical events that have occurred in the White House. It has housed every president except George Washington, and the lives, style, and history of each president has been embedded into this historic house. It has been known by many other names including the "President's Palace," "Presidential Mansion," and "President's House". It was officially give the title "White House" by Theodore Roosevelt in 1901 when he had it engraved on the stationery.


Fun Facts

1. Thomas Jefferson was the first president to allow tours through the White House, this has continued throughout history, except in times of War.
2. Frances Folsom married Grover Cleveland when she was 21, making her the youngest first lady in history.
3. The first bath tubs in the White House were portable and made of tin; water was hauled in buckets.
4. The White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, a jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, billiard room, putting green, and a bowling lane.
5. The indoor pool was built for President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his therapy for dealing with Polio.
6. After exploring the Louisiana Territory, Lewis and Clark returned to Washington with a gift for the President Thomas Jefferson, ­ two grizzly cubs never before seen on the East coast. Jefferson was fascinated with them and ordered a cage built for the White House lawn so all citizens could see the bears. It wasn't long before they grew to an alarming size and then transferred to new housing at the Washington Zoo.

The West Wing

The Oval Office and the Presidential staff work in the West Wing. In the 1940's, after going through many changes, the building became officially known as the "West Wing" by Theodore Roosevelt.

Cabinent Room

The cabinet room is the place where the president meets with his cabinet

Diplomatic Reception Room

The Diplomatic Reception Room in the White House serves as an entrance from the South Lawn. The President often receives foreign ambassadors here.

History: This is the room in which Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his Fireside Chats during WWII.

Oval Office

The President often gives TV speeches from the Oval Office, and he meets with advisers here.

History: Although the president may choose the furniture for the room, and has a wide variety of desks available for his use, the flags to either side of the desk always remain stationary.

The Map Room

The Map Room now serves as a private meeting room for the President or the First Lady.

History: The Map Room was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a situation room from which to follow the course of World War II.