The White House, situated at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. It has served as the home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. The phrase "White House" is frequently used metonymically to refer to the president and their administration.
1901: Relocation of White House Work Offices
Due to overcrowding in the White House, President Theodore Roosevelt decided to move all work offices to the newly built West Wing in 1901.
1901: Formal Naming of the White House
President Theodore Roosevelt, through an Executive Order in 1901, formally established "The White House" as the official name of the presidential residence.
1902: Renovations Using Limestone from Brač Island
During renovations in 1902, limestone sourced from the Croatian island of Brač was used. This limestone, specifically from the Pučišća quarry, was also used in the construction of the ancient Diocletian's Palace in Split.
1902: Neoclassical Style Renovations
In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt hired McKim, Mead & White, a renowned architectural firm, to execute expansions and renovations to the White House in the neoclassical style. This project aimed to harmonize the building's aesthetic and enhance its functionality.
1909: Expansion of the West Wing & Creation of the Oval Office
President William Howard Taft expanded the West Wing in 1909, leading to the creation of the first Oval Office.
1925: Authorization for Accepting White House Gifts
A significant legislative change occurred in 1925 when Congress passed a law permitting the White House to accept gifts of furniture and art.
1927: Attic Conversion to Living Quarters
In 1927, the third-floor attic of the White House was transformed into living quarters. This was achieved by expanding the existing hip roof with the addition of long shed dormers.
1929: West Wing Fire
A fire broke out in the West Wing on Christmas Eve of 1929, causing significant damage to the structure.
April 14, 1930: Reoccupation of the West Wing after Fire
Following a fire on Christmas Eve of 1929, the West Wing underwent repairs. On April 14, 1930, President Herbert Hoover and his staff moved back into the renovated space.
1935: Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Designs the White House Grounds
The layout of the White House grounds as we know them today largely stems from the 1935 design by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., of the Olmsted Brothers firm. Commissioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Olmsted Jr.'s plan continues to shape the visual landscape of this iconic location.
1939: Return of White House Artifacts
Two significant events related to the White House occurred in 1939. First, a Canadian man returned a jewelry box, believed to have been taken from the White House, to President Franklin Roosevelt. Second, a medicine chest that once belonged to President Madison was returned by descendants of a Royal Navy officer.
1942: East Wing Constructed, Concealing a Secret Bunker
The East Wing of the White House was constructed in 1942, serving a dual purpose. While ostensibly providing additional office space, the construction also cleverly concealed the building of a subterranean bunker. This hidden facility, intended for use during emergencies, later became known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center.
1946: Construction of the Truman Balcony
The Truman Balcony, a notable feature on the south façade of the White House, was constructed in 1946.
1946: East Wing Alterations & Truman Balcony Addition
The East Wing alterations were finalized in 1946, providing more office space. The year also saw the addition of the Truman Balcony to the Executive Residence.
1948: Discovery of Structural Issues in the White House
In 1948, it was discovered that the White House's load-bearing walls and wood beams were nearing failure, necessitating significant structural work.
1948: White House Declared in Imminent Danger of Collapse
By 1948, the White House was in a state of disrepair. Years of inadequate upkeep and various structural additions had taken their toll. The building was declared to be on the verge of collapse.
1949: President Truman's Move to Blair House
Due to the precarious state of the White House, President Truman and his family were forced to relocate to Blair House, a nearby residence, in 1949.
1951: President Truman's Continued Stay at Blair House
President Truman's stay at Blair House extended through 1951 while the extensive renovation work on the White House continued.
March 27, 1952: The Trumans Return to the White House
After a period of extensive renovation, the White House was deemed safe and habitable once more. On March 27, 1952, President Truman and his family returned to their official residence.
September 1961: White House Designated as a Museum
In a landmark decision in September 1961, Congress passed legislation officially recognizing the White House as a museum. This significant move ensured the preservation of the nation’s heritage by mandating that the president declare furniture, fixtures, and decorative arts as either historically or artistically significant. This act prevented the future sale of White House items and enabled the transfer of pieces not in use to the Smithsonian Institution for safeguarding, research, and potential exhibition. The White House, however, maintains the right to request the return of these items.
1961: Jacqueline Kennedy's Historic White House Redecoration
In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of President John F. Kennedy, spearheaded a major redecoration of the White House. She collaborated with Henry Francis du Pont from the Winterthur Museum to gather historical artifacts. The project received generous donations of antiques, paintings, and other enhancements from affluent individuals and families, significantly enriching the White House's historical collection.
1961: The Kennedy Restoration: Reclaiming the White House's French Elegance
The 1961 Kennedy restoration aimed to recapture the classic French elegance reminiscent of the Madison and Monroe eras. A key element of this restoration was the installation of an antique "Vue de l'Amérique Nord" wallpaper in the Diplomatic Reception Room. This Zuber & Cie wallpaper, dating back to 1834, was salvaged from another mansion slated for demolition, highlighting the Kennedys' commitment to preserving historical interior design.
1962: Jacqueline Kennedy Unveils the Restored White House
On Valentine's Day in 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy presented the results of her extensive White House restoration to the American public through a televised tour. This widely-viewed broadcast showcased the meticulous efforts undertaken to enhance the historical integrity and aesthetic grandeur of the presidential residence.
1962: Publication of the First Official White House Guide
The year 1962 marked the publication of the first official guide to the White House, which suggested a possible connection between the design of the South Portico and Château de Rastignac in France.
1969: Pat Nixon's Significant Contributions to the White House Collection
During the Nixon Administration, from 1969 onwards, First Lady Pat Nixon undertook a major project to refurbish several key rooms in the White House: the Green Room, Blue Room, and Red Room. Working in close collaboration with Clement Conger, the curator appointed by President Richard Nixon, Mrs. Nixon's efforts resulted in the acquisition of over 600 artifacts for the White House collection. This marked the most substantial addition of artifacts by any presidential administration in the building's history.
February 1974: Stolen Helicopter Lands at the White House
In a startling security breach in February 1974, a stolen U.S. Army helicopter landed without authorization on the White House lawn. This event raised serious concerns about security measures surrounding the presidential residence.
1974: The Nixon Era: Transforming Spaces and Leisure at the White House
The Nixon era, concluding in 1974, saw significant transformations within the White House. President Nixon established a modern press briefing room, replacing the space previously occupied by Franklin Roosevelt's swimming pool. Additionally, he added a unique feature to the White House basement - a single-lane bowling alley, demonstrating a lighter side to the presidency.
1977: Rosalynn Carter Formalizes the "Office of the First Lady"
In 1977, Rosalynn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, made a significant mark on the role of the First Lady. She established her office in the East Wing, becoming the first to formally designate it as the "Office of the First Lady." This decision solidified the First Lady's position and influence within the White House.
1988: White House Achieves Museum Accreditation
In 1988, the White House achieved a significant milestone by receiving accreditation as a museum. This prestigious recognition underscored the building's historical importance and its commitment to preserving and showcasing its rich heritage for future generations.
1994: Plane Crash on White House Grounds
Tragedy struck in 1994 when Frank Eugene Corder, piloting a stolen light aircraft, crashed on the White House grounds. The incident resulted in Corder's immediate death and brought renewed scrutiny to the security vulnerabilities of the White House.
April 19, 1995: Oklahoma City Bombing
On April 19, 1995, a domestic terrorist attack occurred in Oklahoma City, targeting the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The bombing resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. This event had implications for security measures across the United States, including the closure of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.
May 20, 1995: Pennsylvania Avenue Closure
On May 20, 1995, Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House was closed to vehicular traffic. This decision was primarily influenced by the Oklahoma City bombing, which occurred on April 19, 1995. The closure aimed to enhance security around the White House.
1999: Old Executive Office Building Renamed Eisenhower Executive Office Building
In 1999, the Old Executive Office Building, historically known as the State, War, and Navy building, was officially renamed the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This change reflected the building's role in housing staff for the president and honored President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
September 11, 2001: Permanent Closure of Pennsylvania Avenue
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the closure of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House was made permanent. This decision reflected the heightened security concerns in the aftermath of the attacks and aimed to create a buffer zone around the White House.
September 2003: Resumption of Limited White House Tours
In September 2003, public tours of the White House resumed but on a limited basis. Visitors were required to make arrangements in advance through their Congressional representatives or embassies, and background checks were conducted. The White House remained closed to the general public.
2003: Bush Administration Reinstates Solar Thermal Heaters
In 2003, the Bush administration reinstated solar thermal heaters at the White House. While kept largely under wraps, this initiative highlighted a commitment to renewable energy. The solar heaters were used to supply hot water for landscaping purposes and for the presidential pool and spa.
May 12, 2005: Unauthorized Aircraft Prompts White House Evacuation
Heightened security concerns in the capital following the September 11 attacks led to a dramatic evacuation of the White House on May 12, 2005. The evacuation was triggered by the unauthorized approach of an aircraft near the White House. The situation was quickly contained when two F-16 fighter jets and a Black Hawk helicopter intercepted the aircraft, forcing it to land at a nearby airport. The pilot, identified as a student pilot, had unknowingly strayed into restricted airspace.
2005: Enhanced Airspace Security
During the 2005 presidential inauguration, NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) units were deployed to safeguard the airspace over Washington, D.C. Since then, these units have been consistently employed to provide protection for the president and to enforce the strict no-fly zone surrounding the White House.
June 23, 2006: Historic American Elm Succumbs to Storm
A historic American Elm, a prominent fixture on the north side of the White House for a century, fell victim to a powerful storm on June 23, 2006. The storm, accompanied by severe flooding, brought down the tree, marking a poignant loss in the White House landscape.
2007: Modernization of the Press Briefing Room
In 2007, the White House press briefing room underwent a significant modernization. The $8 million renovation, partly funded by news outlets, included the installation of fiber optic cables and LCD screens for enhanced presentations. This 11-month project aimed to bring the briefing room up to date with the latest technology.
2007: White House Ranked on America's Favorite Architecture List
The White House earned the second position on the American Institute of Architects list of America's Favorite Architecture in 2007.
September 2010: West Wing Undergoes Major Underground Expansion
A major construction project commenced in the West Wing in September 2010, aimed at creating a new multistory underground structure. This extensive two-year undertaking sought to enhance and modernize the operational capabilities of the presidential workspace.
November 2013: White House Reopens to the Public
In November 2013, the White House reopened to the public for tours after a period of closure due to budget constraints.
2013: Obama Introduces Solar Power to the President's Residence
In 2013, President Barack Obama made history by installing solar panels on the roof of the White House. This move marked the first time solar energy was harnessed to power the living quarters of the president, demonstrating a significant commitment to sustainable living and environmental responsibility.
January 27, 2015: Intoxicated Man's Drone Crashes on White House Grounds
In the early hours of January 27, 2015, an intoxicated man, operating a quadcopter drone from his nearby apartment, lost control of the device, causing it to crash on the southeast side of the White House grounds. This incident resulted in a temporary lockdown of the White House by the Secret Service and sparked an investigation. It was later suspected that the drone's incursion was accidental, likely due to wind conditions or interference from trees.
2017: Jackson Magnolia: Removal and Legacy
In 2017, the iconic Jackson Magnolia, a tree with deep historical roots, was carefully removed from the White House grounds. Having stood for over 200 years, the magnolia, reportedly grown from a sprout taken from President Andrew Jackson's late wife's beloved tree, had become too fragile to stand unsupported. To maintain its legacy, one of its offspring was planted in its place, ensuring the continuation of its story within the White House landscape.
2020: Melania Trump Redesigns the Rose Garden
First Lady Melania Trump spearheaded a redesign of the White House Rose Garden in 2020. This project brought a fresh aesthetic to a space steeped in history, further adding to the legacy of transformations within the White House grounds.
June 2023: Airspace Violation and Crash
In June 2023, a light aircraft intruded into the restricted airspace near the White House in Washington DC. Fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the aircraft, but it ultimately crashed in Virginia, resulting in the death of all occupants.
2023: Present-Day Cost of the White House Renovations
The extensive renovations undertaken during the Truman administration to address the structural issues of the White House amounted to approximately $5.7 million. Adjusting for inflation, this figure translates to a staggering $67 million in 2023.
2023: Present-Day Value of the White House Construction Cost
The original cost of building the White House, which took eight years, was $232,371.83. In 2023, this amount is equivalent to $4,172,000.