George Washington, often revered as the foundational figure of the United States, presided over the planning and location selection of the presidential mansion, which would later be known as the White House. However, Washington never resided there during his presidency. The honor of being the first to inhabit the newly constructed White House went instead to John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams.
In November 1800, John Adams, serving as the second President of the United States, moved into the still unfinished residence. At the time, the nation's capital had recently been transferred from Philadelphia to the newly formed District of Columbia. The White House, designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban, was a significant symbol of the new government, meant to embody both resilience and leadership. Constructed primarily of Aquia Creek sandstone and painted white to shield and preserve the façade, this iconic building has endured as a central stage for American leadership.
Abigail Adams, the first lady to occupy the White House, famously used the East Room to dry the family's laundry. In her letters, she described the mansion as cold and damp during the harsh winter and expressed a mixture of awe and concern over the grandeur and isolation of their new residence. The Adams family lived in the White House for only a brief period, from November 1800 until John Adams’ electoral defeat in 1801, when Thomas Jefferson took office.
Despite being conceived and initiated by Washington, he and his family never had the chance to live in the White House. However, his oversight and decision regarding its placement solidified its status as a lasting landmark. The Adams’ tenure in the house set a domestic precedent, transitioning the building from a mere architectural project into a lived-in home that would see numerous first families come and go, each adding their unique chapter to the storied history of the White House.
