The White House

The White House is where the President of the United States lives and works. It is located in Washington, D.C. The building has been home to every president since John Adams in 1800. It got its name from the white paint on its stone walls.

Inside the White House

The White House has 132 rooms, including 35 bathrooms. There is a bowling alley, a movie theater, and a swimming pool inside. The Oval Office is where the president works every day. The State Dining Room can seat up to 140 guests for fancy dinners. The building has six floors, including two basement levels.

History of the White House

Construction of the White House began in 1792. George Washington helped pick the design, but he never lived there. During the War of 1812, British soldiers set the building on fire. Workers rebuilt it and painted the outside white to cover the burn marks. The White House has been renovated and expanded many times since then.

Fun Facts

• The White House needs about 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside walls.
• President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its name in 1901.
• The White House kitchen can serve dinner to as many as 140 guests at one time.

Did You Know?

The White House has its own vegetable garden, beehive, and tennis court. Many presidents have also kept pets there, from dogs and cats to alligators and ponies!