Main Content

Hoban's Preliminary White House Specifications (Part II)

This list was written by James Hoban, designer and architect of the White House, to the Commissioners of the Federal City on October 30, 1792. The list outlines Hoban's preliminary specifications for the President's House. Hoban lists, among other things, his supply specifications for the flooring, scaffolding, joists, and girders. Following President George Washington's wish, the President's House would be a house of stone. Please see images 1113630 and 1113628 for parts I and III.
Artist
James Hoban
Date of Work
October 30, 1792
Type
Document
Credit
White House Historical Association/NARA
View in the Digital Library

You Might Also Like

  • Page

    The Green Room

    James Hoban, the original architect of the President's House, intended that the space now called the "Green Room" be used as a "Common Dining Room." An 1801 inventory revealed that first residents President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams actually used it as a guest bedchamber. However, the next chief executive, Thomas Jefferson, did serve meals in this room. Jefferson

  • Scholarship

    Christmas with the Johnson Family

    The White House celebrates many holiday traditions, some of which are historic and others more recent. New arrivals to the Executive Mansion bring unique familial rituals that are often blended with time-tested White House and presidential customs. During the holiday season, the president and first lady participate in public traditions such as receiving a tree for the Blue Room, lighting

  • Gallery

    Art in the White House

    The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly presidential portraits, commissioned or purchased by Congress, or donated by presidential descendants. In the era before photography, some presidents invited painters to set up studios in the White House to record significant events and paint their likeness. In the late