1. The Cornerstone Was Laid in 1792
On October 13, 1792, the cornerstone of the White House was ceremonially laid, marking the commencement of its construction. This pivotal event, overseen by President George Washington, symbolized the establishment of a permanent seat of executive power in the newly designated capital of Washington, D.C. The design, crafted by Irish-American architect James Hoban, drew inspiration from Dublin’s Leinster House, reflecting neoclassical architectural elements. The building’s white-gray Virginia freestone exterior contrasted strikingly with the red brick of nearby structures, leading to its nickname, the “White House.” (history.com)
