The White House stands
as a symbol of the Presidency, the United States government, and the
American People. Its history began when President George Washington and
the city planner Pierre L'Enfant choose the site for the residence.
Architect James Hoban won the award for his handsome design. Construction
began in 1792. President Washington oversaw the construction of the
house, but he never lived in it. The first residents became President
John Adams. Since that time each president has lived there and has made
his own changes and additions. The House survived a fire at the hands of
the British in 1814, and another fire in the West Wing in 1919. During
the Presidency of Harry Truman, the house was almost completely gutted and
renovated.
Thomas Jefferson was the first president to open the White House for
public tours. As such, it is the only private residence of a head of
state that is open to the public, free of charge. Since “9/11” tours have
been highly restricted, but they are still available though your local
congressman's office.
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