White House, Washington History

Built more than 200 years ago, the White House has become a powerful symbol of the American presidency and the United States government. The original US White House structure was burned by British troops during the War of 1812 and later completely reconstructed. This reconstruction led to one of the most persistent legends about the naming of the White House. As some would tell, the name of the White House derived from painting it white to cover the badly burned façade. In truth, the White House was completely reconstructed after the British troops set fire to it. The existing structure has been totally rebuilt. To learn more about touring the White House, go to: www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/

Famous White House Rooms. Some of the most famous rooms include: the Oval Office of the President, the Lincoln Bedroom, where Lincoln is rumored to haunt, and the Red Room, which was part of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s extensive restoration of the first residence.