AMERICAN ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
Grazing in the Grass
Sheep graze on the South Lawn, 1919.
Library of Congress
President Woodrow Wilson brought 18 sheep to the White House to support the country during World War I.
The president hoped to set an example of how Americans could support the war effort; the sheep grazed the White House Grounds to save the workforce required to mow the grass. Delicate flowers and trees had to be fenced off, and some sheep were startled by the city’s automobiles.
Eventually, the sheep were shorn, and their wool was auctioned off, earning $52,000, which was sent to the American Red Cross for the war effort.
Two years after the war ended, the flock, which had grown to 48 sheep, was sent back to the Maryland farm from which it came.
Men with baby sheep on the South Lawn, c.1916–19.
Library of Congress
A man and a child feed baby sheep on the South Lawn, c.1918–20.
National Archives and Records Administration
Wool collected from White House sheep, c.1918–20.
Library of Congress
South view of the White House and part of the South Lawn, 2013.
Bruce White for the White House Historical Association
On the South Lawn
The South Lawn is used for state arrival ceremonies, the White House Easter Egg Roll, concerts, and other events. The South Lawn is part of the White House Grounds, which include several decorative and functional gardens, a tennis court, putting green, and swimming pool. Because the White House Grounds are a national park, the National Park Service oversees their care, maintenance, and improvement.
AMERICAN ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
