Short History Of... The White House
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Oct 5, 2025 Join Kate Andersen Brower, a renowned author and White House expert, as she takes us on a thrilling journey through the history of the iconic building at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Discover why the capital was chosen as the site for the presidential mansion and hear fascinating tales of its first residents, from John Adams to Lincoln. Kate reveals how the White House has evolved over time, including renovation efforts by figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy, and its enduring symbolism as a beacon of democracy.
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1814 Burning Through A Valet's Eyes
- A valet watches British soldiers ransack the White House as it burns in 1814.
- Furniture and fabrics are piled and set alight in the Oval drawing room to torch the mansion.
A Symbol Born From Nationhood
- The White House was built soon after American independence as both a family home and the executive seat.
- It endures as a global symbol of American democracy shaped by history and events.
Design Roots In Dublin And Washington
- George Washington chose the capital's site close to Mount Vernon and between major cities.
- James Hoban, inspired by an Irish Georgian mansion, won the 1792 design contest for the presidential residence.
