The White House Today

Few things you need to know about the White House today!
Did you ever wonder who designed the White House? The architect and design was chosen from a pool of nine applicants. Thomas Jefferson decided to submit one, though he did so anonymously. Ultimately, George Washington, as the first President made the final call on July 16, 1792.
Washington chose Irishman James Hoban’s design, but wanted a few modifications to make it less plain and more representative of the Presidency. The differences from Hoban’s design to Washington’s changes included a larger size (by 30 percent), the additions of the East Room and  large reception hall.

Inspiration

Noticeable similarities exist between the White House and the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland, especially in the exterior of the building. For example, the North Portico side of the White House contains four pillars roofed by a stunted triangle top. The Leinster house looks the same, except it has three floors instead of two main floors like the White House.
Drawing of the elevation of the White House by James Hoban, 1792; in the Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore and a plan of the principal story of the White House in 1803, original drawing by Benjamin Latrobe, 1807


The Red Room in the White House, Washington, D.C.


The Green Room on the first floor of the White House, Washington, D.C.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The East Room in the White House