What Is the White House Made Of?

The White House’s exterior walls are made of white painted Aquia Creek sandstone that was quarried by slaves. This is the same stone that was used to build the Capitol building.

James Hoban designed the White House after winning a competition that Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State, and President George Washington organized in 1792. Hoban was born in Ireland and trained as an architect there. Legend has it that Jefferson, himself an architect, entered the contest under a pseudonym and lost. The White House has been renovated several times since it was first built; however, the exterior walls are the same walls that were initially constructed.

World View

9 of the Best Online Citation Generators for Academic Papers

History

The History of Independence Day in the U.S.

World View

This Year We’re Skipping the Fireworks, and Other 4th of July Safety Tips

History

Why Was the Declaration of Independence Written?

History

58 Years Later: What Was the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

History

Facts About the Louisiana Purchase That Might Surprise You