White House is a glorious historical monument and the official residence of the presidents of the United States of America located at Washington, D.C. It is admired for its graceful countenance and speechless décor throughout the face of the earth. First Lady Michelle Obama very rightly declares this awe inspiring monument of America as ‘The People’s House’ before the world. The historical monument is believed to be a destination that is open to all kinds of people including the common man despite of its primary recognition as a gathering place for the political leaders of the world.
An unspeakable number of individuals have walked across the halls of the historical memorial and regarded the artwork. This itself reveals its openness before the people. The amalgamation with the well known Google Art Project has facilitated the USA President to keep up with the commitment of openness of the White House. The 360 Street View cameras associated with the project have facilitated the viewers to experience the art beauty and remarkable history of the monuments at the given moment.
The Early Times
America’s foremost President, George Washington, opted the base for the White House in 1791. James Hoban, a proficient Irish architect, prepared a construction design which was approved to lay the cornerstone of the monument in 1792. The President’s House was set on fire in 1814 by the British nation while the War of 1812 was still on. The Irish architect was asked to reconstruct the house, which was later occupied by President James Monroe in 1817.
President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 brought about a huge renovation of the house. The resettlement of the President’s offices located at the Second Floor of the Residence to the freshly structured and impermanent Executive Office Building of that time was a major part of President Roosevelt’s renovation. A prominent office building of the White House, the Oval Office, was structured inside an expanded office wing by President William Howard Taft.
Within 50 years of President’s Roosevelt’s renovation, the house demonstrated some grave marks of weakness in its construction. This urged President Harry S. Truman to renovate the house once again. Overseen by architect Lorenzo Winslow, the reconstruction process of the house was finally completed and the Truman family re-entered the house in 1952. President John Adams and the successor presidents thereafter have occupied the house where the American history continues to unveil.
Sights and Attractions
The White House houses state of the art décor and artwork including skillfully prepared paintings that speak about the history of America. The house has a complex of official buildings that incorporate the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB), Executive Residence, Roosevelt Room, East Wing, Cabinet Room, West Wing, and other authorized buildings. The Oval Building and the Vice President’s Residence and Office are also the significant buildings associated with the White House.
The White House Rooms
The White House has various rooms that are unique in their kind and hold an aesthetic visual aspect and decorum.
The Library
One of the initial tourist spots after entering the President’s House is the Library, which houses nearly 2,700 books kept for display. Another eye catchy attraction of the Library is the ‘chandelier’, which was once a property of the author of the novel: ‘The Last of the Mohicans’, James Fenimore Cooper.
The East Room
Designated as the largest room of the White House, the East Room has a host for various royal events that include the wedding receptions of Lynda Bird Johnson, Alice Roosevelt, and Nellie Grant. George Washington’s renowned painting made by Gilbert Stuart is exhibited here.
The Vermeil Room
Popularly known as the Gold Room, the Vermeil Room stores the portraitures of 7 first ladies of America and some artistry furnitures from the 19th century.
The China Room
Incorporating the illustrations of the table settings of various presidential administrations, the China Room is one of the favorite sight seeing spots of the tourists visiting the monument. Mary Todd Lincoln and Nancy Reagan’s China patterns are the prominent ones to view.
The State Dining Room
Having a capacity of 140 seats, the State Dining Room secures the portrait of Abraham Lincoln prepared by George Peter Alexander Healy in 1869. Above the fireplace mantel are engraved the beautiful words of President John Adams- “I Pray Heaven to Bestow the Best of Blessings on THIS HOUSE and All that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof!”
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Situated adjacent to the West Wing of the White House, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building includes a number of official staff offices. It secures an unequaled status in the architectural inheritance and political history of the USA. This stunning and majestically structured building was primarily constructed for the Navy, War and State Departments of the country. The building resembles the French Second Empire fashion of architecture.
White House Visitor Center
Providing the display of various artifacts and architecture, the White House Visitor Center heads the list of the best tourist locations of the monument. ‘Where History Lives’ is a video played at the center that enlightens the visitors about the history of the monument. The White House Historical Association governs a gift shop that allows the visitors to buy significant souvenirs from the monument. The visitors get a chance to learn about the 6 glorious exhibits of the monument that are Ceremonies and Celebrations, First Families, White House Architecture, Working White House, Symbols and Images, and White House Interiors.
White House Rose Garden
Margining the West Wing and the Oval Office of the White House Complex, the White House Rose Garden is regularly used to receive the eminent guests visiting the house. Apart from its function as a solemn setting for hosting pubic statement occasions and peculiar ceremonies, the garden precisely serves as a personal and individual setting for the President. The 125 feet long beauteous garden corresponds to the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden of the President’s House.
Experience the fine artistry collections, illustrious historical architecture, and elegantly created buildings at the White House and make your visit a pleasurable one.