 back - The White House, the home of the President of the United States, is a substantial classic structure of Virginia free stone 170x86 feet. George Washington selected the site and laid the cornerstone in 1792. The first President to occupy it was John Adams in 1800. It was burned by the British in 1814 during President Madison's administration, who occupied Octagon House, 18th and N.Y. Ave., temporarily as the White House. After its restoration it was painted white to obliterate all marks of fire. The view shown is of the north front. postmarked : 1933 |