HistoryFacts: George Washington Did Not Live in the White House

 

Photo credit: MPI/ Archive Photos via Getty Images

Myth: He Was the First President to Live in the White House

It’s a common misconception that George Washington lived in the White House — he was the first President, after all — but the building wasn’t completed until 1800, one year after Washington’s death. The President’s successor, John Adams, was the first commander in chief to call the White House home. However, Washington did play a large role in the planning and construction of the famous residence. He chose the site of what was then called the “President’s House” at what is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The first cornerstone of the White House was laid in October 1792. During this time, Washington lived in executive residences in New York and Philadelphia, both of which served as the nation’s capital before it was moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800. 

Note:  The above comes directly from their website.

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