White House, official residence of the president of the U.S., built in its original form between 1792 and 1800, and situated at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. Known variously through its history as the President's Palace, the President's House, and the Executive Mansion, the building has always been most popularly known as the White House. This designation became official in 1901, when Theodore Roosevelt had the name engraved on his stationery. It has been the home of every president in American history with the exception of George Washington, who approved the act that led to its construction. Although the White House has been subject to numerous renovations and additions, it has retained its classically simple character.
The site and the surrounding landscaped lawns and gardens of the White House occupy 7.31 hectares (18.07 acres) and include numerous trees of historical interest. Constructed of Virginia sandstone, the main building is a stately, white edifice, 52 by 26 m (170 by 85 ft), built in the classical style associated with the 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio. An Ionic portico (1829) on the north side faces Lafayette Square. On the south side is a semicircular portico (1824) with a private entrance on the ground floor.
Additions to the original building include the low-lying terraces or pavilions, which were constructed (1807) during the administrations of Thomas Jefferson and reconstructed on those designs in 1902. The West Terrace (50 by 11 m/165 by 35 ft) connects with the three-story Executive Wing (1902) containing the president's office; the East Terrace (66 by 11 m/215 by 35 ft) joins the three-story East Wing (1942).
The site and the surrounding landscaped lawns and gardens of the White House occupy 7.31 hectares (18.07 acres) and include numerous trees of historical interest. Constructed of Virginia sandstone, the main building is a stately, white edifice, 52 by 26 m (170 by 85 ft), built in the classical style associated with the 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio. An Ionic portico (1829) on the north side faces Lafayette Square. On the south side is a semicircular portico (1824) with a private entrance on the ground floor.
Additions to the original building include the low-lying terraces or pavilions, which were constructed (1807) during the administrations of Thomas Jefferson and reconstructed on those designs in 1902. The West Terrace (50 by 11 m/165 by 35 ft) connects with the three-story Executive Wing (1902) containing the president's office; the East Terrace (66 by 11 m/215 by 35 ft) joins the three-story East Wing (1942).
