Text transcribed from original caption.

PC-42264

LANDMARKS OF AMERICA -- THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The most famous residence in America is

the White House, the executive mansion of the President of the

United States. Designed by James Hoban on a site chosen by

George Washington, it is the oldest public building in the capital,

its cornerstone having been laid in 1792. In 1800, John Adams

became the first President to live in the mansion.

After the building was burned by the British during the War of

1812, the smoke-stained grey stone walls were painted white. This

gave rise to the term "White House." The name became official

when President Theodore Roosevelt had it engraved on his stationery.

This view of the mansion's north front is from Pennsylvania

Avenue. This is the main entrance of the White House and has a

portico of high Ionic columns reaching from the ground to the

roof pediment. This is balanced by a semi-circular colonnaded

balcony on the south with a second-floor porch, completed in 1948.

There have been other additions to the building, notably the

east and west terraces, the executive office, the east wing

and an air-raid shelter.

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RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (F-NPS-11B-71-DS)