For my historical source, I decided to analyze the classic structure known as “The White House”. For some simple background, the White House was built between 1792-1800. The main architect behind the construction is known as James Hoban, a man whom George Washington (The first president of the United States) handpicked. George Washington decided that the White House should be built as a sign of American democracy. He did not want the White House to be intimidating to Americans, but rather an office and residence that he could govern from. He stated that the White House belongs to the people, rather than the president.

Thanks to President George Washington, the White House has become the home to the next 45 presidents that governed after him. Despite some outliers such as the recent attack on the White House in January 2021, the White House is one of the most protected buildings in the nation.

Although the fundamental values of the White House have stayed the same for it’s 222 year life span, there have definitely been some changes since. As discussed in the two sources I have chosen, “After The White House” by Asa Earl Martin & “Change in the White House” by Meenekshi Bose, different presidents have changed some aspects of the White House over the years. The four most notable changes are the major renovations done in 1792, 1817, 1902, and 1952. 1792 was the start of the construction of the White House, which was previously mentioned as being done by James Hoban of the Washington Era. 1817 was when large portions of the White House had to be rebuilt after the British burned it down on August 24, 1814, which was when James Madison was in office. 1902 was when President Theodore Roosevelt renovated the White House to modernized it for himself and future presidents. Within this renovation, President Roosevelt also established the “West Wing” as the new executive space for the president and his staff. The final renovated was done by President Harry S. Truman, from 1948-1952. President Truman did similar renovations to President Roosevelt, in which he gutted and basically rebuilt the White House’ Interior.

Although no serious White House renovations are planned for the near future, there are always improvements being made. As mentioned in the third source I have chosen by Dana Hedgpeth of the Washington Post, the White House fence has recently been raised. Although the fence around the White House seems like a small part of the building, safety is one of the main characteristics of the White House, and something as simple as a fence has a very important role in keeping people who are not supposed to be there out. The improved fence was finished in 2020 and was much needed. There were many reports of people jumping over the previous fence, and many more people trying to jump over the fence. As reports of violence around America do not seem to be slowing down, it is extremely important to take precautionary matters whenever possible.

To summarize, The White House is an amazing building with much meaning behind it. Home to our amazing 46 presidents, the White House provides a sense of security to the nation, as well as a building for presidential activities to take place in. While the white house has been previously improved over the years, the main purpose and message behind it has always stayed the same.