Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban and built at the end of the 18th Century, the White House is a touchstone. Americans are accustomed to this symbol preceding messages of achievement or tragedy, war or scandal.
The cornerstone was laid in October 1792, and George Washington supervised construction, though he never lived there. In 1800 Abigail and John Adams, the second First Family, were first to move in. The third president, Thomas Jefferson, opened it to visitors and, except in wartime, it has been so ever since.
British troops burned the White House during the War of 1812 and (a familiar event for old Chicago homes) it went through a gut-rehab during the tenure of Harry Truman, the 33rd president.
For information, including an online tour, facts and information about First Families, visit www.whitehouse.gov. There’s also a special “kids only” section.
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