05 Jun White House Fine Points
In D.C., 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the home of The White House, the brainchild of George Washington. When the concept of a house for the president was first conceived, however, our country was just in its infancy. Everything about the process of building a nation was new, including creating a design for the home that would be the residence and working space of the president of the United States.
So as to brainstorm architectural ideas, Thomas Jefferson recommended an open forum for people to submit potential house designs. Eventually, Washington consulted with an Irishman by the name of James Hoban, and his design ended up being the one that Washington chose. And although Washington was the impetus behind the house project itself, he never stayed in it. Construction initiated on October 13, 1792, but wasn’t finished for eight more years. Ultimately, John Adams was really the first president to sleep in the house on November 1, 1800.
The following day, he drafted a letter to his wife, Abigail, which included these words: “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and all that shall hereafter reside it. May none but wise and honest men ever rule under this roof.” Interestingly, years later, Franklin Roosevelt had Adam’s’ words memorialized in the state dining room on the mantle.
Even though it stands strong today, the house was burned by British troops in 1814, and the entire interior was destroyed. Everything remained were the exterior walls that make up the iconic facade that every American distinguishes instantly. Reconstruction began on the house immediately thereafter, and James Monroe was the first president to move back into the house when that project was done. During the Truman administration, it became obvious that the house was structurally compromised and risky. Accordingly, the Trumans moved out and a substantial renovation initiated. The interior was essentially demolished, and the structure was improved by steel beams. Once that framework was installed, the rooms were repaired essentially as they were before, and the timber from the demolished beams was sawn into paneling that was then installed in the house. During the Kennedy administration, Jackie Kennedy decorated the house in a style designed to reflect its marvelous story and history.
Moreover, even though the White House was the original structure, nowadays the complex encompasses several buildings that have been added to accommodate its purposes and the business that goes on there. The property sits on 18 acres, a sprawling, picturesque plot of land and gardens, and a number of the oldest trees on the site are magnolias that were planted by Andrew Jackson.
Another interesting facts?
The first public rally there was for the women’s suffrage movement on January 10, 1917.
Things transformed shortly after the beginning of the 1900s, but up until then, all the staff at the White House were chosen by the president himself, and they were paid by him personally.
And, for some numbers? As it stands nowadays, the White House has 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, and 5 full-time chefs.
But what does all of this have to do with a modern motorcoach company? Well, just this. One of the things we do is provide quality group transportation to people who have an interest in sightseeing. We enjoy being the wheels behind adventure, knowledge, and discovery, and checking out famous locations is just one of the ways we carry out this. Maybe you’re not gone to check out the White House for the first time with a tour or sightseeing group, but you might want to see something else. And if that’s the situation, we will cater a sightseeing trip that’s specific to the interests of your group. Next time you’re up for an adventure, let us make it a reality!