Q:
What Is the White House Made Of?
A:
Quick Answer
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.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Getty Images
Getty Images News
Getty Images
Full Answer
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.
Learn more about US HistoryRelated Questions
-
Q:
When Was the White House Cornerstone Laid?
A: The cornerstone of the White House was laid on Oct. 13, 1792. The first president of the United States to occupy the White House was John Adams, who moved ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Who Was the Last President to Have a Child Born in the White House?
A: The last president to have a child in the White House was President John F. Kennedy. His wife gave birth to a premature child named Patrick on Aug. 23, 195... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are Some Interesting Facts About the White House?
A: The 55,000-square-foot White House sits on 18 acres of land that requires a full-time staff of 13 people to maintain and has been known by other names duri... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Was the Original Color of the White House?
A: The original color of the White House was white. According to the White House Historical Association, when the walls were finished in 1798, they were white... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What Is the Purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
-
Q:
What Is the Name of the Indian Tribe That Lived in Georgia?
-
Q:
Where Did the Miwok Indian Tribe Live?
-
Q:
Who Were Some of the Rough Riders?
-
Q:
What Was the First Major Action Franklin Roosevelt Took As President?
-
Q:
Who Was George Washington?
