Photo of the Day – February 24, 2010

The White House.  The official residence and workplace for the President of the United States. The White House was a major feature of Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s plans for the newly established federal city – Washington DC. It has been the official residence of every president since John Adams.

Just as the U.S. Capitol, the White House was designed by James Hoban in a design competition.  The cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792.  Construction took place from 1792 to 1800.    Mainly built by slaves and freed African Americans.

The White House is made up of six stories: a 2 story basement, ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor and 3rd floor.    The White House complex is made up for the Executive Residence, East and West Wings and the Old Executive Office Building.

John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, “I pray Heaven to bestow the best blessings on this House, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it.  May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”