George Washington and the White House
Author William Seale talked about President George Washington's plans for the location of the Executive Mansion and the design and architecture of the building.
Description
Author William Seale talked about President George Washington's plans for the location of the Executive Mansion, and the design and architecture of the building.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- How did the White House end up at its current location?
- Explain George Washington's involvement in the design and building of the White House.
- Describe the design and architectural style of the White House.
Additional Resources
- On This Day: British Troops Set Fire to the White House
During the War of 1812 on August 24, 1814, British troops invaded Washington, D.C. In response to an American attack on York, Ontario in Canada, the British troops occupied the capital and set fire to many federal buildings including the White House. President Madison and members of the government fled the city during the occupation. It marks the only time in U.S. history that Washington, D.C. had been occupied by a foreign military.
- Bell Ringer: Pierre Charles L’Enfant and the Design of Washington, DC
Author Les Standiford details the design of the nation’s capitol by Pierre Charles L’Enfant and argues that the capitol was not a popular idea until after the British burned the major buildings in 1814.
Participants
Vocabulary
- Architecture
- District Of Columbia
- George Washington
- Georgian
- Pierre L'enfant
- Portico
- Stonemason