Jan Fleury, age 12, of Franklin Park, NJ for her question:

When was the White House built?

George Washington suggested that a suitable house be built as the official home of the nation's presidents during their terms in office. The building was patterned after the home of an Irish duke and designed by James Hoban. The construction work was started in the year 1792, and by 1800 it was far enough along for president John Adams and his family to move into it.

Later, president Thomas Jefferson added improvements to the White House, but during the war of 1812 much of the splendid building was destroyed by the British. It was repaired in 1818, and since then many repairs and improvements have been made from time to time.