Washington, D.C.

Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)

This beautiful small monkey survives only in a few small patches of coastal forest in Brazil.  In one of the most successful programs of its kind, zoos have bred and then returned golden lion tamarins to Brazil to augment the dwindling wild population.

White House south view

Washington, DC

The United States Capitol

Washington, D.C.

One of the largest and stateliest buildings in the world, sets on a height overlooking the amphitheatre of the Potomac.  It is 751 feet long, 350 feet wide, and covers three and a half acres.  The cornerstone of the main building was laid by President Washington in 1793; the central building was finished in 1797.

The White House, Washington, D.C. - All of our Presidents, except Washington, have lived here.  The oldest public structure in Washington it has the simple dignity of a gracious American home.

Tomb of the Unknowns where rest in honored glory Unknown Americans who fell in both World Wars and in the Korean War.  Continuous vigil is maintained by Tomb Guards, specially chosen from the 1st Battle Group, 3d Infantry, part of the Military District of Washington command.

The White House - Washington DC

The White House

Washington, D.C.

The first public building to be begun in Washington when its cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792.  All Presidents except George Washington, have lived here.  The mansion was partially destroyed by the British in 1814, but was rebuilt during the two decated following, adding the north and south porticos.  During the period 1948-1952 it was completely renovated and restored at at cost of almost six million dollars.  Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

The White House has bee the home of the Presidents from the time of John Adams to the present.  Washington selected the site, laid the cornerstone in 1792,  and with his wife, Marth, inspected the finished building in 1799.  The building is of Virginia freestone.  After the house had been fired by British Troops in 1814 and only the walls were left standing, the restored exterior was painted white to obliterate the marks of the fire.

The White House - Washington DC

The White House.  All of our Presents, except Washington, have lived here.  The oldest public structure in Washington and has the simple dignity of a gracious American home.

The White House. All of our Presents, except Washington, have lived here. The oldest public structure in Washington and has the simple dignity of a gracious American home.

 

The White House has been the home of the Presidents from the time of John Adams tot the present.  Washington selected the site, laid the cornerstone in 1792, and with his wife inspected the finished building in 1799.  the building is of Virginia freestone.  The East Entrance is the one used by the public.

The White House - Washington DC

South Front

To the South the White House looks out toward the Mall across the President's Park of spacious gardens and lawns and trees associated with many Presidents.  The south balcony was remodeled during the administration of Harry Truman.  Here, on January 20, 1945, took place the fourth inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

South Outlook

Looking southward across the South Portico of the White House from the Blue Room.  The Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial can be seen in the distance.

President's Office

Looking from the President's desk to the fireplace wall in the President's office.  the room is oval in shape and is furnished to each President's taste, usually with White House furniture and personal possessions of the President.

The White House - Washington DC

President's Office

The President's Office is located in the west wing of the White House.  It is furnished with White House furniture as well as with personal possessions of the President.  Oval in form and well proportioned, the office looks out on the spacious White House Gardens.

Family Dining Room

The Family Dining Room, in the northwest corner of the White House, is furnished in the Federal Period, with a portrait of President Joh Tyler over the sideboard.  the room serves as a small state dining room for breakfasts and luncheons.

Treaty Room

The Treaty Room, furnished with White House Victorian pieces, was once the Cabinet room of President Andrew Johnson.  It is today used chiefly as a waiting or meeting room for the President.  On the walls are hung paintings of particular White House interest, together with original documents and facsimiles relating to American history.

The White House - Washington DC

China Room

The lovely China Room displays the White House china collection, representing every past Presidential administration.  The collection was pioneered by Mrs. Benjamin Harrison, who enjoyed china painting.  the portrait at the right is of Mrs. Calvin Coolidge.

Green Room

The Green Room is a small drawing room of the Federal period (1800-1810).  The walls are hung with green silk damask.  Furnishings include a classical chandelier with urn shaft and sparkling festoons, a pair of rare American settees and armchairs, a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, and two paintings by Cezanne.

State Dining Room

A beautiful room of spacious proportions, the State Dining Room is designed to accommodate official luncheons and dinner parties.  The table is decorated witha French-dore plateau centerpiece ordered by President James Monroe in 1817.  the chairs are comfortable Queen Anne "back stools".

The White House - Washington DC

East Room

Decorated in white and gold, the East Room serves as a reception room on state occasions.  it is the first state room seen by the visitor on a tour of the White House.  It is a lofty dignified salon, remaining essentially as it was renovated in 1902.  On the north side stands a mahogany piano supported by gilt eagles.

Library

The White House Library, recently restored and redecorated, is a cheerful and inviting room in the classical style of the early 19th century.  The room is furnished with a set of caned furniture made by Duncan Phyfe. The crystal chandelier was once owned by the family of James Fenimore Cooper.

Lincoln Bedroom

This room, on the second floor of the White House, was once President Abraham Lincoln's Cabinet room.  In it on January 1, 1863, he signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  The present furnishings, all Victorian, have been assembled from various places, but several have difinite Lincoln associations.

The White House - Washington DC

Cabinet Room

The Cabinet Room, in the West Wing of the White House, faces the Rose Garden.  It is used by the President for meetings with his advisers, the Vice president, the Cabinet, and occasionally others.  A portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart hangs over the mantlepiece.  Bookshelves line one wall.

Blue Room

In the form of an oval dining room, the Blue Room is the main reception room of the White House.  the sumptuous rug and brilliant parquet floor, the walls hung with white-and-gold silk, and the cut glass chandelier with matching wall sconces add to its architectural elegance.  Here the President receives his quests on state occasions.

Red Room

Furnished as an Empire parlor of 1810-30, the Red Room contains beautiful examples of French and American furniture of the period, a red-and-beige Aubusson rug, a splendid gilt wooden chandelier, and an original mantelpiece.  Through the years the room has served as a parlor or sitting room.

The White House - Washington DC

The White House - South Front

Washington, D.C.

The first public building to be begun in Washington when its cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792.  All Presidents except George Washington, have lived here.  The mansion was partially destroyed by the British in 1814, but was rebuilt during the two decades following, adding the north and south porticos.  During the period 1948-1952 it was completely renovated and restored at a cost of almost six million dollars.

The White House - North Front

Washington, D.C.

The first public building to be begun in Washington when its cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792. All Presidents except George Washington, have lived here. The mansion was partially destroyed by the British in 1814, but was rebuilt during the two decades following, adding the north and south porticos. During the period 1948-1952 it was completely renovated and restored at a cost of almost six million dollars.  Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 12 noon.

 

The White House

Cross Hall

Washington, D.C.

The Cross Hall, looking from the State Dining Room on the west ot the East Room.  The 18th century cut-glass chandeliers illuminate and decorate the hall.  Neither the Cross Hall nor the Entrance Hall have been greatly modified since designed and built by Hoban in 1792.