White House

The White House Nearby Hotel History & Facts Walking Tours

Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the White House is the official home and workplace of the President of the United States and the President’s administration. Part of the National Park Service’s President's Park, the White House is the seat of our country’s leadership and an inspiring Washington, DC landmark. With its architectural beauty and momentous history, the White House is a America’s most powerful icon of freedom and democracy.

The White House - Home of the US President. Constructed of white-painted Aquia sandstone in late Georgian style, the White House is a complex of three buildings. The original residence in the center houses the president's home and rooms for official ceremonies and entertaining. The White House features 6 stories and 55,000 sq. ft. of space, including 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, 147 windows, 8 fireplaces, 8 staircases, 3 elevators, 5 chefs, a tennis court, a bowling alley, a movie theater, jogging track, swimming pool, a putting green and several beautoful gardens. The east and west colonnades - designed by Thomas Jefferson - connect the residence to the West Wing and East Wing. The State Floor of the residence building includes the East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room and State Dining Room. The third floor family residence includes the Yellow Oval Room, East and West Sitting Halls, the President's Dining Room, Treaty Room, Lincoln Bedroom and Queens Bedroom.  [Top]

History & Facts of the White House. Erected over a period of eight years, the construction of the White House began with the laying of the cornerstone on October, 1792. The White House also reflects the nation's early involvement with the institution of slavery. Records show that the foundation for the main residence were built by slave labor. Much of the construction, decoration and plaster work for the White House were done Scottish, Irish and Italian immigrants. The initial construction of the White House cost $232,371.83 ($2.4 million in 2005 dollars). While not yet completed, the White House was originally occupied on November 1, 1800 by President John Adams and his wife, Abigail.  [Top]

White House Walking Tours. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States, the White House hosts 5,000 visitors on daily walking tours. On this exciting tour, you’ll view the Blue Room, East Room, Green Room, Red Room and State Dining Room which are open to the public. White House Tours are available from 7:30am to 12:30pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Advanced reservations are required. Call (202) 456-7041 or visit www.whitehouse.gov.   [Top]