The White House

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The White House is where the president of the United States lives.

The White House is located in Washington, D.C.

• What president lives in the White House now?

Any time a new president is elected, he or she lives in the White House for as long as their presidential term lasts. Some presidents live here four years. Others live here eight years.

The architect who was responsible for building the White House was James Hoban.

The construction of the White House lasted from the year 1792 until the year 1800. John Adams and his wife Abigail were the first president and first lady to live in the White House.

During the war of 1812, the White House was set on fire by the British. The rebuilding process lasted from 1815 to 1817.

The White House was constructed by many different people.

The first White House design was built out of Aquia Creek sandstone. The sandstone was painted white after the construction was finished.

After the destruction of the White House during the War of 1812, the White House was reconstructed to look exactly like the original design and was built with the same materials.

The White House is a symbol of the presidency, the United States government, and the American people. It is a symbol of leadership and freedom.

Many presidents have lived there, and many things have changed about the White House, but some things will always remain the same.

The middle section of the White House has not changed much since the days of John and Abigail Adams, yet more sections have been added to the White House during the last several years.

Now that you have learned about the White House, say two facts that you learned out loud. Then, move on to the Got It? section.

In the Got It? section, you will take a virtual tour of the White House.