The White House

         Everyone knows that the White House is where the President and his family lives, but it is more than a mere place of residence. The White House carries many fragments of the United State's history.

         The design for the White House was designed by the Irish designer James Hoban and built between 1792 and 1800. It was made out of white-painted Aquia Creek sandstone in the Neoclassical style. Since then, the house underwent many renovations, but its structural design remained very much the same.

Truman Reconstruction (1948-1952)

Exterior design was kept.

Steel cables, new staircases, and oak flooring was added. Interior remodeled completely.

         Kennedy Renovation (1961)

Blue room before Kennedy Era. Note unauthentic furniture.

Jackie Kennedy worked to have the White House declared a national museum, and refurnished it with vintage furniture, all bought or donated. The renovation was successful despite the somewhat tight budget.

Refurbished Red Room. Note the presidential paintings. In the 1814 fire, it was thanks to Lady Dolly Madison's efforts that the presidential paintings survived.

          The White House is our national museum, not just a residential place of the president. It survived many events in our history like the 1814 fire. Since the Kennedy Renovation, succeeding presidents have made their own distinctive alterations to the private quarters, truly making the place their own. All alterations must be approved by Congress

Too cute

Just moving in!

         The president is not only an important member of our government, he is also a societal figure. It's important for such a person to keep up good appearances as it reflects upon our nation. I feel that our Founding Fathers also know the significance of building an official place for the president's comfort and work, and the White House contains a large part of our history.