The White House

Fun facts

  • There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Main Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.
  • At various times in history, the White House has been known as the “President’s Palace,” the “President’s House,” and the “Executive Mansion.” President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.
  • Presidential Firsts while in office:
    • President James Polk (1845-49) was the first President to have his photograph taken.
    • President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09) was not only the first President to ride in an automobile, but also the first President to travel outside the country when he visited Panama.
    • President Franklin Roosevelt (1933-45) was the first President to ride in an airplane.
  • With five full-time chefs, the White House kitchen is able to serve a full dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d’oeuvres to more than 1,000.
  • The White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface.
  • For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and bowling lane.

History

Construction of The White House began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the first White House, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800s, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in. Since that time, each President has made their own changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President’s private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge.

The Eisenhower building is to the left of the White House. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) is located next to the West Wing and houses most White House staff offices. Originally built for the State, War, and Navy Departments between 1871 and 1888, the EEOB is an impressive building that commands a unique position in our national history and architectural heritage.

The building continues to house various agencies that comprise the President’s Executive Office, such as the White House Office, the Office of the Vice President, the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Security Council.

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