The white house is used as a symbol for the United States government though it only houses the executive branch, it is considered the epicenter of US politics.
Many people are unaware of the secrets and complicated history of this iconic building.
1. SIZE
The White House was built in 1792 under the supervision of George Washington and Irish born architect James Hoban. The property encloses 19 acres of land and the building itself is roughly 55 thousand square feet. There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and six levels in the residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. The white house requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface. It has 10 rooms on the ground floor, one main corridor, six restrooms, eight rooms. On the state floor, one main, corridor one entrance hall 16 rooms, one main corridor, six bathrooms and one restroom. On the second floor, it's much larger than the average U.S. home which is roughly 2500 square feet but then again, the White House is both a home for the first family and a full-time office and operation center for the executive branch. The last major renovation took place in 1940 and it is unlikely to undergo any serious changes in the near future. Many people are unaware that the white house basement essentially functions like a mini-mall alongside the Situation Room where the President meets his advisors during a crisis.
2. BUILT BY SLAVES
Recent research has uncovered that the majority of laborers responsible for the construction of the White House and other buildings in the US Capitol were slaves. On 24th July 2016, first lady Michelle Obama gave a well-received speech amid what was
otherwise a contentious night at the Democratic National Convention, during which she asserted that the White House had been built by slaves. The remark was a relatively minor detail and Mrs. Obama's larger commentary about progress in the United States. However, some people have a hard time accepting that the White House is the result of such a cruel practice. The fact remains, slaves did much more than build the White House. They also worked there over the course of seven presidencies. Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Tyler, Polka, and Taylor all owned slaves while living in the White House. In fact, slaves were lodged at the White House far past its construction.
3. THE PRESIDENT PAYS FOR FOOD
Working in the White House may seem incredibly cushy but when it comes to food and drink, the presidential home isn't always a garden of roses. It turns out that even a leader of the free world doesn't get a free lunch, although the president's rent and utilities are entirely covered thanks to American taxpayers; their groceries absolutely are not. There's a long-standing idea the president is expected to pay for many of the same expenses. The average American does while the house is paid for. Normal Americans have to buy their own groceries and so does the President.
In addition, the White House has its own beer. The Obama presidency marked the first time alcohol was brewed in the White House.
4. PRESIDENTIAL PETS
it's not uncommon for presidents to have pets. In the White House, the first White House dog - the received regular newspaper coverage was Warren G Harding's dog - Laddie Boy. PTets also featured in presidential elections.
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