Some serve four years in the Oval Office, others serve eternity.
The White House is arguably the most recognizable building in the United States, if not the world. Many great men and women have served under its roof. It would seem some have remained even after death.
Those elected to lead our nation do not have an easy time of it. Many have had to face wars, ease foreign disputes, and undertake tasks that could forever alter the course of human history.
It is no surprise that many presidents, their wives, and even their staff have lingered in the executive mansion, given that it was probably the most daunting and tumultuous years of their lives.
The ghost of Andrew Jackson has been known to make quite the commotion throughout the halls of the White House over the years, curing and stomping up a storm.
Mary Todd Lincoln had a pension for seeing Ole Hickory’s apparition bombard across the hallways of the White House.
He’s also been seen several times in his old bedroom, now the Queen’s Bedroom. One of Lyndon Johnson’s aides claimed to have heard him cursing in there from time to time.
White House seamstress Lillian Rogers Park used to work in the room. She could often feel a presence in there, as if someone was leaning over her, peering at her craftsmanship.
Along with presidents, first ladies have been known to drift through the halls of the White House.
Dolley Madison, at times could be seen milling about in her rode garden. When Ellen Wilson had planned to uproot the garden, the workers were frightened away by Dolley’s apparition.
Abigail Adams could be seen coming in and out of the East Room where the laundry room resided. Her ghost is known to be holding a basket of laundry.
The tell-tale sign that Abigail is about is from the sudden appearance of a lavender smell from the detergent.
Eerie screams have been heard in a second-floor bedroom. Some believe them to be screams of President Grover Cleveland’s wife giving birth. She was the first woman to give birth in the White House.
Perhaps the most well-known spirit that resides in the White House is that of Abraham Lincoln.
His apparition has been seen all over the mansion by several people over the decades.
Dozens of sightings from past presidents, first ladies, and staff have been made, like Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Eleanor Roosevelt. The list is nearly endless.
He has frequently been seen in his old bedroom, either lying in bed or sitting on the edge to put his boots on.
Other times, he has been seen in the Yellow Room, staring out the window and hands clasped behind his back.
Perhaps the most well-known encounter with Lincoln was during one of Winston Churchill’s visits to the White House.
He was staying in the Lincoln Bedroom and had just gotten out of the bath.
He was completely nude, save a cigar in hand, and happened to come face to face with the ghost of Lincoln, who was leaning on the fireplace mantle.
”Good evening, Mr. President. You seem to have me at a disadvantage,” remarked Churchill with a nod of his cigar.
The president smiled wryly and vanished.
Construction on what was then referred to as the “President’s Mansion” began in 1792. The mansion was built during George Washington’s presidency; however, his presidency ended before the house’s completion
This makes George Washington the first and only president to have never lived in the White House.
John Adams was the first president to live in the “President’s Mansion” 1800, and Thomas Jefferson was the first president to add significant alterations to the mansion, adding the now-famous East and West Colonnades.
They were constructed to hide the stables and laundry behind the manor.
During the War of 1812, the White House was heavily damaged by the invading British army. The story goes that the mansion got its name “White House” because it was painted white to hide the scorch marks.
It is a fascinating legend, but unfortunately only just that.
It wouldn’t officially be called the “White House” until Theodore Roosevelt used the term in 1901. Roosevelt had the West Wing built in 1902, relocating the cabinet room and the Oval Office there. Both have been there ever since.
Along with that, Roosevelt also had the East Wing built. It was originally an entranceway for public and formal gatherings. It would eventually become the office of the First Lady and her staff when Rosalynn Carter took it over in 1977.
When Harry Truman took office in 1945, the mansion was on the verge of collapsing. Save for the outer walls, the entire interior was gutted and rebuilt. The Truman family returned to the White House in 1952.
Subsequential presidents and first ladies would make further alterations and renovations during their time there.
The White House continues to be the home and office of the President of the United States and First Lady.
It has been a staple and icon of this nation for more than 200 years. The very roots of democracy are planted deep in its ivory visage.
White House tours can only be requested through your Member of Congress. Tours are generally available Friday and Saturday on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information on scheduling a tour, visit the White House tour homepage
The White House Visitor Center is open Wednesday thru Saturday from 11 am-4 pm.
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