White House Construction and Cost
Construction began in 1792 and took over eight years to complete. The original building was designed by James Hoban and later rebuilt after the 1814 fire. Total construction costs were roughly $232,000 at the time, equivalent to a few million dollars today.
Rooms, Layout, and Daily Operations
The White House has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and six levels. It includes the State Floor for official events, the Second Floor family residence, and the West Wing for executive offices. The building also houses a movie theater, a swimming pool, and a bowling alley.
White House History and First Families
John Adams was the first president to live in the White House. Since then, every president has made changes, from adding the West Wing to updating kitchens and security. The White House grounds cover about 18 acres and include gardens, a tennis court, and a horseshoe pit.
