The construction of the President's Palace started by the end of 1792, and since then, it has outlived attacks, fires, and major competition! And we have not even started discussing the most amazing facts about the structure! While impressive meals and memorable speeches were delivered at this huge mansion, some fascinating facts remained hidden from the citizens.
Let’s dive into the most amazing truths relating to the ivory structure to tell your friends!
Let’s dive into the most amazing truths relating to the ivory structure to tell your friends!
A Brand New White House
During the 1790s, Philadelphia was designated as the acting capital, as the nation’s new capital was under construction. A residence was put at George Washington’s disposal in Philadelphia, resembling the White House. It was a way to lure the President and his team to live there. But he refused and instead lived two blocks south of the Center for the National Constitution.
Massive Living Quarters
The President’s House is the residence quarters of the first family. But it’s so massive that calling it merely the living quarters would be unjustified. The White House is huge enough to accommodate an army in its six-floored residency, consisting of 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms. Moreover, the place encompasses 28 fireplaces and 3 elevators!
The Mastermind Behind It
We already know that in 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt was credited with naming the building as we know it today, and the first leader, George Washington, didn't enter it, and the second leader was the first figure to occupy the quarters. But we don’t know the critical truth - the mastermind behind the massive ivory structure!
Among the most powerful people in history, yet the least known, is James Hoban. He is the main figure associated with the existence of the President's place. While history credits George Washington for selecting the site, it was the Irish-born architect who designed and rebuilt it in 1812.
The Interior Upheaval
One might think that because of the ongoing wrangling of the leaders with Congress and the responsibility of overseeing the whole nation and its foreign policies, they get little chance to choose the interiors of the place to their taste. Although it is true, the 21st leader, Chester A. Arthur, proved everyone wrong.
Entitled “The Elegant Arthur”, he spent a significant amount of time redesigning the ivory mansion. He appointed Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist, to redesign the staterooms. He replaced 24 freight loads of the archaic furnishings with voguish pieces. Thus, dedicating a lot of time in the office to art.
Indebted to Tom Hanks
You might wonder why the President’s Place and the press are indebted to Tom Hanks. On the actor’s earliest tours to the famous place in 2004, he realized the White House Press Corps' room was missing a coffee maker. He was so shocked that he decided to give them one! And, the story doesn’t end here.
In 2010, he gifted the journalists another coffee machine after finding out that the previous one was not functioning properly. After seven years, he gave another gift, a $1,700 coffee maker, with a small note saying, ‘Keep up the good fight for truth, justice, and the American way. Especially for the truth part.” How humble, right?
In 2010, he gifted the journalists another coffee machine after finding out that the previous one was not functioning properly. After seven years, he gave another gift, a $1,700 coffee maker, with a small note saying, ‘Keep up the good fight for truth, justice, and the American way. Especially for the truth part.” How humble, right?
Parting Words
While there are many astonishing facts relating to the Executive Mansion, we have listed only a few. You'll be surprised to know that it houses many animals, has twins in France and Ireland, and is a famous wedding venue! But let’s leave these facts for another day. We hope this list has given you an insight into the most famous places in the U.S.
While there are many astonishing facts relating to the Executive Mansion, we have listed only a few. You'll be surprised to know that it houses many animals, has twins in France and Ireland, and is a famous wedding venue! But let’s leave these facts for another day. We hope this list has given you an insight into the most famous places in the U.S.