AMERICAN ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
Designing an American Icon
The design selected for the White House, by architect James Hoban, c.1793–94.
White House Historical Association, Maryland Historical Society
James Hoban, an Irish-born architect, was introduced to President George Washington as “a man of merit and of genius.”
In 1792, a competition was announced to design a home for the nation’s president. The commissioners for the District of Columbia, along with President Washington, reviewed many submissions.
They ultimately selected a plan submitted by James Hoban, who based his design on Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland. Hoban proposed a somewhat modest residence compared to the presidential palace envisioned by the French engineer and city planner Pierre Charles L’Enfant.
Though he was essential to its creation, President Washington never lived in the White House. In 1800, President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams became its first residents.
Wax bas-relief on glass of architect James Hoban, c.1800.
White House Historical Association/White House Collection
Portrait of George Washington, 1797.
White House Historical Association/White House Collection
Print of George Washington inspecting the unfinished house with architect James Hoban, c.1930.
White House Historical Association
Illustration of the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland, 1792.
Gift of Mrs. Isaac K. Friedman, Art Institute of Chicago
AMERICAN ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
