Description of the attraction
The White House is perhaps the most famous building in the world. This name, chosen simply by the color of the paint, has become a symbol of one of the world's centers of power.
US presidents have not always lived and worked here. The first leaders of the country lived in mansions either in New York or in Philadelphia. The federal government has announced a competition to design a special residence in Washington. The winner was the Irish-born architect James Hoban, who proposed a classic-style building. Construction began in 1792. It employed workers and slaves from neighboring slave states, Virginia and Maryland.
The walls were built of sandstone, whitewashed with a mixture of rice glue, casein and lead. The building has acquired its own color. However, it was first called the White House only in 1811.
In a young, poor country, the residence has become an outstanding landmark. Until the Civil War of 1861-1865, the building was the largest in the United States. In 1814, during the Anglo-American War, the British Marines captured Washington and burned down the White House, leaving only the walls. The building was restored only in 1830. In 1948, the house fell into disrepair, it was reconstructed: instead of a wooden frame, a solid steel frame was built in. Under Kennedy, the design of the premises was changed - this was done by the president's wife, Jacqueline.
Today's White House is a whole complex: the presidential residence in the center, the East and West wings connected to it by colonnades. The central building, with its well-known circular portico, includes the reception halls and the living quarters of the president and his family. In the West Wing - the famous Oval Office of the Head of State, in the East - the office of the First Lady, a cinema.
The building does not seem large, but the impression is deceiving: in fact, there are four floors and two basements. Deep under the East Wing lies an emergency operations center designed to defend against a nuclear attack. The complex has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces.
In addition to its official purpose, the White House is also a living museum of American history. A rich collection of paintings, sculptures and furniture is exhibited here. There is a collection of portraits of US presidents and first ladies. One of the most valuable items in the collection is a portrait of George Washington, rescued by a slave from a fire in 1814 by the British. About five thousand tourists visit the residence every day. Tours are free, but you need to sign up for them about six months in advance.
The house is surrounded by a garden of about 7 hectares. The first landings here were planned personally by President Thomas Jefferson. During World War I, President Wilson's family started a flock of sheep on the South Lawn - their wool was auctioned off to the Red Cross. Michelle Obama has set up an organic garden and beehives here - honey and organic products are supplied to official receptions.
The White House looks affordable, the Oval Office with windows to the garden is located on the first floor. However, it is one of the most secure buildings in the world and is guarded by the US Secret Service.
