Washington, dc basic Site Info Ford’s Theatre
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White House The White House is the oldest public building in DC. The cornerstone was laid October 1792. George Washington is the only president to never live at the White House, simply because it wasn’t finished until November 1800. James Hoban, an Irish immigrant, designed the house, wanting it to look like the Duke of Leinster’s castle in Dublin, Ireland. The White House has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms – overall, it covers approximately 55,000 square feet! Originally, the building was called the President’s House or Executive Mansion and was actually the color of sandstone. The house was left with several burn marks after the British attempted to burn the entire federal city in 1814. The entire house was white washed to cover the scars and took on the nick-name of White House. Teddy Roosevelt signed an Executive Order in 1902 giving it the official name of White House. **I found out this isn’t actually true, but people love it… so…. your call. The West Wing is off to the side, which is where you’d find the Oval Office. If you ever see a Marine standing outside of the glass door, it means the President is in the oval office – this is the only time Secret Service is replaced. Also, if you look on the back of a $20 bill, this is the view you’re going to see – the gardens are groomed to look just like the photo! George Washington is the only president to have never lived at the White House – John Adams moved in with his wife in 1800 before the mansion was complete. First Lady Abigail Adams wrote, “I will use the unfinished barnlike room on the east side of the house for our laundry.” Apparently, the building didn’t even have a completed bathroom or water yet! Dolley Madison took the role as FirstLady seriously and was known for hosting relaxing parties for guests. It’s said that she continued entertaining at the White House until the British soldiers reached the White House doorstep. The dinner table was set for 40 guests the day she left – she ended up staying to pack valuable documents, silver, and other items. She waited until she saw that the full-length portrait of George Washington by artist Gilbert Stuart was being moved to safety. Madison viewed the portrait as a symbol of the republic because the government purchased the portrait for $800. The British soldiers went through the house, ate the food that was intended for the dinner guests and torched the building. Three days before Lincoln was assassinated he shared a dream he had with his wife and a few friends. The night before his dream, the President had been up late waiting for important war dispatches. After going to bed he dreamt that he heard sobs; it sounded like a number of people weeping. He left his bed and wandered downstairs where he continued to hear sobbing, but didn’t see anyone. He went from room to room wondering what could have caused all of the sadness. He eventually made his way into the East Room where he found a body being guarded by soldiers and mourned for by several people. Lincoln asked a soldier, “Who is dead in the White House?” and the soldier responded that the President was killed by an assassin. The crowd broke into a loud burst of sobbing, which woke him from his dream. President Lincoln did not sleep the rest of the night and said “although it was only a dream, I have been strangely annoyed by it ever since.” Teddy Roosevelt moved into the White House in 1901 with his wife and six children. Roosevelt was actually quoted as saying, “I don’t think any family has enjoyed the White House more than we have.” His children were known for riding their pony up and down the elevator, climbing through the walls, riding their bikes around the house, and climbing the stairs with their wooden stilts. During Prohibition, the White House struggled to “stay clean.” A well-known reporter for the Washington Post went out to buy a pint of gin from a well-known bootlegger. He had just run out of liquor, so together they drove to the White House. The bootlegger pulled a large burlap bag from behind a hedge, explaining the grounds of the White House was a perfect hiding spot because nobody expected anyone to be so audacious. After the bootlegger found a new hiding spot, the reporter wrote an article about his experience – the article became national news, causing people to question how police could enforce a ban that didn’t work even at the White House! Lafayette Square In the center of the park is a statue of General Andrew Jackson – this was the first equestrian state cast in the United States, unveiled January 8, 1853 (38th anniversary of the victory at New Orleans). The cannons surrounding the memorial are four rare Spanish cannons he captured in Pensacola. Jackson served in the US House of Representatives for less than a term and as a US Senator for a single term. He was elected as the 7th president, the first to be elected from outside the original thirteen colonies. His supporters followed the inaugural parade to the White House, where they trashed the furniture and only left after being lured outside by White House staff carrying barrels of whiskey. The park is named after Lafayette because people overflowed the park to get a glimpse of him during his visit to DC in 1824. Originally, it was an open-air market, military encampment site and a place for spectators to watch the burning of the White House in 1814. Andrew Jackson was said to serve punch and whiskey and President Grant turned the park into a small zoo where he kept his pet deer and prairie dogs. Treasury Department We are now in front of the Treasury Department – it’s actually the third building to stand near the White House. One of the buildings was burnt by arsonists in 1833. This building took about 33 years to build – the government slowly added different wings and architectural designs over the years. The building served as a barracks for soldiers during the Civil War and a temporary White House for President Andrew Johnson after Lincoln’s assassination. President Grant also had his Inaugural Reception in the cash room, which was a marble hall where all of the country’s daily financial business was conducted. This is also the site where DC’s first electric street light was turned on, the night of October 15, 1881. Newspapers reported that all of Washington came down to witness the modern miracle. Old Ebbitt Grill The Old Ebbitt Grill is DC’s oldest saloon, founded in 1856. The now famous restaurant was actually first a boarding house; Presidents Grant, Andrew Johnson, Cleveland, and Teddy Roosevelt are just a few well-known guests. The boarding house eventually closed down and the grill moved several times around the city – finally landing here in 1983. The antique clock over the revolving door is an heirloom from its previous location. They’re known for the having the best oysters in town! Willard Hotel The Willard Hotel is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in the city. President Grant was known for visiting the hotel almost daily to enjoy a drink in the lobby. At that time, the presidents were responsible for appointing all positions. President Grant became so annoyed with people approaching him for jobs in the lobby of the Willard, that it’s said he started calling them “lobbyists” – a term we still use today. Several exciting things happened at the Willard – Dr. Martin Luther King wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech when staying at the Willard. In 1861, Julia Ward Howe wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” here. Apparently, she was awakened by Union soldiers singing – she composed the new words on Willard Stationary. National Theatre The National Theatre is the oldest theatre in the city, dating back to 1835. It’s actually the sixth building on this site. President Polk had one of his inaugural balls here the night before “Beauty and the Beast” was to open. The manager was furious and paranoid that the party would cause problems for the opening. At midnight the stage manager ordered for all of the coats to be removed to a building next door. When the party-goers were leaving chaos broke out because no one could find the coats! The next night during the show a fire broke out in the oil room and the theatre was burned down to just the walls. During the war, Eleanor Roosevelt was known for calling the day of a performance and asking for a single seat, which indicated her that the president was working late. She was always escorted to the play and would then invite the cast to the White House. Just down the street is the Warner Theatre (opened in 1924). The Warner has a miniature “Walk of Fame” featuring about 40 artists, all of whom performed at the theatre, like Whippie Goldberg and Tom Jones. Across the street, looking through Freedom Plaza, is the John A. Wilson building, DC’s city hall. Mayor Fenty’s office and the city council’s offices are there. In front is a statue of Alexander “Boss” Shepherd. Boss Shepherd was governor of DC from 1873 to 1874. He instituted a city improvement plan; the Board of Public Works tore up the city and modernized the infrastructure. Streets were graded, sidewalks paved, bridges built, a water and sewer system were installed, and trees were planted. He transformed the city, spending $20 million, driving DC to bankruptcy. Local citizens paid for the statue after realizing his great contribution to the city. 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