James Hoban, Public Architect and Developer. Architect of the White House.
Description
"Do nothing- Or, take history into our own hands and like few generations are given the chance, bend it, bend it in the service of a better day." - Joseph R. Biden Jr., Former Vice President of the United States
The rich sandstone walls of the White House were built in the last decade of the eighteenth century and except for major repair in 1814-1817 remain largely as they were built. James Hoban is celebrated for contributions to the early growth and development of Washington, D.C., as architect, builder, and mason, captain of a militia company, city councilman and civic leader. Hoban was also a successful real estate developer and initiated a private fund to employ schoolteachers, raise a volunteer fire brigade, and assist Irish construction workers in need.
President Washington sought out Hoban, conferred with him, and quickly selected the architect’s proposed design for the President’s House in July 1792. Although time, and occupants with different needs, have altered the White House in many ways, the White House image famous throughout the world is Hoban's entirely.
The rich sandstone walls of the White House were built in the last decade of the eighteenth century and except for major repair in 1814-1817 remain largely as they were built. James Hoban is celebrated for contributions to the early growth and development of Washington, D.C., as architect, builder, and mason, captain of a militia company, city councilman and civic leader. Hoban was also a successful real estate developer and initiated a private fund to employ schoolteachers, raise a volunteer fire brigade, and assist Irish construction workers in need.
President Washington sought out Hoban, conferred with him, and quickly selected the architect’s proposed design for the President’s House in July 1792. Although time, and occupants with different needs, have altered the White House in many ways, the White House image famous throughout the world is Hoban's entirely.
Creator
James Womer: Poster;
John Christian Rauschner: Portrait
Date
1981: Poster
c. 1800: Portrait
Source
White House History & Wikimedia
Rights
The White House
Publisher
The White House
Contributor
James Womer & John Christian Rauschner
Format
Medium: Poster & Mixed Media
Language
English
Type
Public Architecture
Identifier
Architecture
Coverage
Washington D.C.
Files
Collection
Reference
James Womer: Poster;, James Hoban, Public Architect and Developer. Architect of the White House., The White House, 1981: Poster
Cite As
James Womer: Poster;
and John Christian Rauschner: Portrait, “James Hoban, Public Architect and Developer. Architect of the White House.,” Virtual Museum of Public Service, accessed October 12, 2024, https://vmps.omeka.net/items/show/6.