Podcast White House Builder James Hoban’s Irish Roots
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
Main Content
Celebrating the Building of the White House
This wax bas-relief on glass portrait is of James Hoban, an Irish-American who was an architect of the White House and many other Washington, D.C. landmarks. The portrait is attributed to John Christian Rauschner, a German sculptor who specialized in wax portraits. It was acquired for the White House Collection by the White House Historical Association in 1976.
White House Collection/White House Historical AssociationJames Hoban, bas-relief attributed to the itinerant German-born artist John Christian Rauschner, c. 1800.
White House Collection/White House Historical AssociationNewell Convers Wyeth’s 1932 poster for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company depicted Hoban indicating progress on the President's House to President Washington during an early summer day in 1798. |
Hoban supervised the completion of the Capitol's North Wing between 1798 and 1800.
The White House Historical AssociationThe White House depicted by artist D. K. Stone on this joint issue first day cover. |
This first day cover featured a 22K gold replica of the stamp in a clear case.
White House Historical AssociationCommemorative card by artist James Womer depicts an idealized portrait of a young Hoban.
The White House Historical AssociationArtist D. K. Stone portrays a mature Hoban in traditional Irish clothing.
White House Historical AssociationJames Hoban's life is a memorable Irish-American success story. In his boyhood he learned the craft of carpenter and wheelwright, and became an architect by profession and a builder by trade. Hoban came to America with high ambitions, and designed and erected many buildings; but what keeps his name alive today arises from one special commission - he was the architect of the White House.
Much about Hoban's life and personality remains a mystery. In his own time he was not the legendary figure he has since become. His personal and business papers, mostly lost in a fire in the 1880s, survive only in scattered drawings, public and legal documents, and newspaper notices. These sources reveal what is known of the details of his life.
Hoban's contributions to the early growth and development of Washington, D.C., as architect, builder, mason, captain of a militia company, civic leader, and pillar of the Roman Catholic community, maintain his memory and reputation to this day.
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
James Hoban came from humble beginnings as a young carpenter and architect in Ireland, and went on to collaborate with...
Since the White House was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800, influential people and organizations—or those who hoped to...
During the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the White House underwent a renovation and expansion so extensive, it changed...
James Hoban's life is a memorable Irish-American success story. In his boyhood he learned the craft of carpenter and wheelwright,...
Two grand houses were under construction in the young Federal City in 1816: one the President’s House, reconstructed after it wa...
From the beginning of its construction in 1792, until the 1902 renovation that shaped the modern identity and functions of the interior...
Rodrigo Bollat Montenegro is the founding principal at RBM Architecture & Design, a firm that focuses on custom residential design,...
Stewart D. McLaurin serves as president of the White House Historical Association, founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy more than...
The White House Historical Association (WHHA) offers many different resources for students working on National History Day projects.
The White House Historical Association (WHHA) offers many different resources for students working on National History Day projects.
Kathryn Cramer Brownell