Construction began on the White House on this day in 1792. The oldest federal building in Washington, it was first known as the “Presidential Palace,” and later the “Executive Mansion” until Theodore Roosevelt changed its permanent name to the “White House” in 1901 /1
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The White House was the first public building in Washington, D.C. In 1790, a $500 prize was offered for the best design. Hundreds of proposals were submitted, including one from Thomas Jefferson, who submitted his design anonymously
The White House was the first public building in Washington, D.C. In 1790, a $500 prize was offered for the best design. Hundreds of proposals were submitted, including one from Thomas Jefferson, who submitted his design anonymously
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The winning design for the White House came from a young Irish immigrant, James Hoban, who was inspired by one of the grandest buildings in Dublin: Leinster House
The winning design for the White House came from a young Irish immigrant, James Hoban, who was inspired by one of the grandest buildings in Dublin: Leinster House
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Construction—mostly by slave labor—took eight years and cost $232,000, about $75 million in 2017 terms. Here: "A Vision Takes Form" - Peter Waddell's magnificent painting of the White House under construction (cc: @TownerB)
Construction—mostly by slave labor—took eight years and cost $232,000, about $75 million in 2017 terms. Here: "A Vision Takes Form" - Peter Waddell's magnificent painting of the White House under construction (cc: @TownerB)
