Our first president, George Washington, selected the site for the neoclassical White House in 1791. The cornerstone was laid in 1792. It took eight years to build at a cost of $232,372. During the War of 1812, the residence was set on fire and was reconstructed in 1814.
John Adams was the first president to reside there and every president since has lived in the White House. Theodore Roosevelt officially named the White House in 1901. The house was originally white in color thanks to a lime-based wash to protect the porous stone. Teddy Roosevelt was also the president to install electricity.
Two presidents and 3 first ladies have passed away in the house.
The White House is divided into 3 sections: the East Wing, the West Wing, and the residence. There are 55k sqft, 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 8 staircases, 28 fireplaces, and 6 levels total in the residence.🇺🇸
