Collection By Land, By Sea, By Air
Whether by hoof, air, waterway, road, or rail, the President’s access to reliable transportation is essential during their time in...
Have you ever wondered...
When did the White House first get plumbing?
The White House first received a form of plumbing during John Quincy Adams’ presidency (1825-1829). Adams was an avid gardener, and an iron garden pump with "nine spout holes" was attached to a well at the neighboring Treasury building and provided water for the White House grounds.
Water was first piped into the White House in 1833 during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Sometime within the next year, a "bathing room" was established in the East Wing.
President Franklin Pierce also made significant improvements to the plumbing and toilet facilities, including the installation of a bathroom on the second floor with the first permanent bathing facilities. The new bathroom was luxurious in having both hot and cold water piped in. Before 1853 bathing on the second floor required portable bathtubs, and kettles of hot water had to be hauled up from the existing East Wing bathing room.
Featured Questions
You Might Also Like
-
-
Collection Intrepid Innovation
The computer, the car, space travel. These technologies, while seemingly old hat now, are examples of monumental technological advancement. Even...
-
The Decorative Arts in the White House Symposium Scholarly Contributors
James Archer AbbottJames Archer Abbott currently serves as the Executive Director of the Lewes Historical Society in Lewes, Delaware. A...
-
U.S. Presidential Visits to Domestic Mosques
June 28, 1957: President Dwight D. Eisenhower - Islamic Center of WashingtonPresident Dwight D. Eisenhower's Remarks at Ceremonies Opening the Islamic CenterMr....
-
White House History Teacher Institute
The 2021 White House History Teacher Institute will be held as a free virtual program. Scroll down for more information &...
-
About Our Authors
JAMES ARCHER ABBOTT is the Executive Director of the Lewes Historical Society in Lewes, Delaware. His publications include JANSEN, JANSEN...
-
Presidential Sites Summit Speakers
-
Presidential Sites Summit Session Information
TUESDAY General Session: Tuesday 9:00-10:45 Presidential History and Memory: Negotiating Narratives Across Time and Space This general session will examine...
-
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
8:00 - 8:50 am Networking Breakfast Willard Hotel Crystal & Willard Rooms 8:50 - 9:00 am Opening Drawing Willard Hotel Ballroom Must be present...
-
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
8:00 - 8:50 am Networking Breakfast Willard Hotel Crystal & Willard Rooms 8:50 - 9:00 am Drawing Willard Hotel Ballroom Must be present to...
-
Slavery and the White House
Construction on the President’s House began in 1792. The decision to place the capital on land ceded by two slave st...
-
Did Slaves Build the White House?
Construction on the President's House began in 1792 in Washington, D.C., a new capital situated in sparsely settled region far...
