By: Andrew Glass

Following are some milestones in the evolution of the White House since construction began under President George Washington’s supervision in 1792.

1800: John Adams moves into the still-unfinished mansion, then known as the “president’s house.”

1803: Thomas Jefferson installs toilets and builds pavilions on the east and west sides to house servants and stables.

1814: James Madison and his wife, Dolley, flee as invading British troops torch the mansion, leaving only its exterior walls standing. Madison pledges to restore the White House to its previous condition.

1817: Restoration is completed under James Monroe. 1829-1837: Andrew Jackson adds the North Portico facing Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as running water.

1848: James Polk installs gas lighting, replacing candles and oil lamps.

1882: Chester Arthur commissions Louis Tiffany to redecorate the Entrance Hall.

1891: Benjamin Harrison introduces electric lighting.

1902: Theodore Roosevelt builds the West Wing and the East Wing, allowing him to move the presidential staff out of family rooms on the second floor.

1909: William Howard Taft creates the first Oval Office in the center of the West Wing.

1934: Franklin Roosevelt adds a second story to the West Wing and relocates the Oval Office adjacent to the Rose Garden.

1942: Roosevelt rebuilds the East Wing, adding a guest entrance and an underground air raid shelter.

1948-52: Harry Truman moves out while the White House is completely rebuilt.

1961: First lady Jacqueline Kennedy oversees a major renovation of the décor and furnishings.

1975: Gerald Ford adds an outdoor swimming pool.

2001-07: George and Laura Bush redecorate the family rooms, expand the Situation Room and renovate the family theater and the press briefing room.

Source: White House Historical Association

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