For over two centuries, the White House has been an American icon, symbolizing the US government, its people, and the Office of the President. White House history, and the history of the nation"s capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would make its home in a space of ten miles square, set aside on the Potomac River. With the guidance of DC's supreme architect, Pierre L'Enfant, President Washington selected the location for the President's home, now known by its famous address, 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue. As the planning of the nation"s official district continued, a design competition took place, and the commission to build the President's residence was awarded to the Irish-born James Hoban.
For over two centuries, the White House has been an American icon, symbolizing the US government, its people, and the Office of the President. White House history, and the history of the nation"s capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would make its home in a space of ten miles square, set aside on the Potomac River. With the guidance of DC's supreme architect, Pierre L'Enfant, President Washington selected the location for the President's home, now known by its famous address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As the planning of the nation"s official district continued, a design competition took place, and the commission to build the President's residence was awarded to the Irish-born James Hoban.