The White House

Here it is! The most famous house in the world is right in front of you, but its fence stops you from getting any closer. There is so much to learn about the US President’s home! It was built between 1792 and 1800, inspired by Georgian architecture. Known across the globe, it‘s a symbol of American power and strength. Washington was created in the 1790s with the distinct aim of becoming the capital of this new country. It was completed in 1800, just like the White House. Until then, the first US President, George Washington—who the capital was named after—lived in New York and then in Philadelphia. However, he chose where the presidential residence would be built and the architect who would design it, James Hoban. Sadly, Washington never stepped foot inside, as he died before construction finished. His successor, John Adams, had the honor of being the first to live in the White House. Since then, every U.S. president, without exception, has resided there. Upon completion, it wasn’t called the White House , but the President’s Palace. It officially became the White House in 1901, thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt. This iconic building has not always looked the way it does today. The residence was much smaller to begin with. In 1812, it was set on fire during the Anglo-American War, after being bombarded by the British. Only the exterior walls survived, so the burn marks had to be covered up. It is said that this is why it was repainted white and took on the name of the White House. Over time, it was expanded, renovated, and modified by the presidents who lived there, becoming the building you see today. Nowadays, it has 132 rooms spread over six floors, serving both as the President’s residence and workplace, including the famous Oval Office. In the building’s basement, there are several shops, a florist, a dentist… And there’s even a bowling alley. That’s right—nothing is too good for the President of the United States! No wonder the whole building is valued at nearly 400 million dollars. In any case, don’t even try getting any closer to the entrance. The entire site is full of Secret Service agents—it’s one of the most heavily guarded buildings in the world.