The Executive Branch

You can find this building at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. Since the completion of its construction in 1800, it has served as the not only the residence of the President of the United States, but also the President's official office.

This structure is known as the White House, and it has been home to every U.S. President except for George Washington. The building has undergone significant renovations since President John Adams first occupied the unfinished house. The British set fire to the White House during the War of 1812, prompting its reconstruction. After it was rebuilt, the building was painted white in order to hide where the smoke had left marks, leading to its current name.

The South Portico and North Portico were added later by President James Monroe and President Andrew Jackson, respectively. President Theodore Roosevelt oversaw the next major renovations in 1902, which moved the President's offices to the West Wing. President William Howard Taft, Roosevelt's successor, had the Oval Office built. Another major renovation occurred under President Harry S. Truman, in which everything was dismantled except for the outer walls. This was to repair structural weaknesses that had developed over the years.

In addition to serving as the President's home and office, the White House operates as a museum for American history and as a symbol of the nation.