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A search on "white house built" led us down the right road. A page from the Encyclopedia Americana online offered detailed information about the mansion that has housed every U.S. president since John Adams (the second U.S. president). Although he never lived there, George Washington chose the location for White House while he was in office. In 1792, Congress selected a plan submitted by architect James Hoban for a Palladian-style building. The Irish-born
Hoban modeled the structure after the Leister House in Dublin. The cornerstone was laid October 13, 1792. John Adams and his wife Abigail moved into the unfinished house in 1800. Construction was ongoing until 1809, when Thomas Jefferson was the occupant. Over the years, the structure has been renovated, redesigned, and expanded a number of times, although the facade appears largely the same today as it did when it was built. After the British torched the White House during the War of 1812, it was rebuilt and enlarged. In 1901, Teddy Roosevelt arrived with his brood of six, necessitating additional room. Offices on the second floor were turned into living space, and the West Wing,
which houses the presidential office and the Cabinet Room, was added. Construction on the addition was completed in 1902. The East Wing, which houses yet more offices, was built in 1942. Unfortunately, tours of the impressive and symbolic building have been cancelled until further notice due to security concerns. But you can still explore the White House online by taking a virtual tour, such as the famous one Jackie Kennedy gave to a television crew in 1962 or the current official historical tour.
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