On October 13, 1792 the cornerstone for a presidential residence was laid in the new capital city of Washington, D.C., by President George Washington.  French architect, Charles L’Enfant, designed the city’s unique layout; comprised of dozens of circles, avenues that crisscross, and many parks.  Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and with the guidance and expertise of, James Hoban, an Irish American architect, work began on what would become known as the White House.

On November 1, President John Adams and wife, Abigail, were the first to move into the executive mansion.  During the War of 1812 the White House was set on fire with the rest of the capital by British soldiers.  It was rebuilt and enlarged by Hoban with an addition of east and west terraces, and north and south porticos.  This 1814 fire, resulted in the White House’s name, as the smoke-stained walls were painted white.

The White House is the oldest federal building in our nation’s capital, and attracts over a million tourists a year.

Info found at: White House Cornerstone Laid