The White House is a symbol of United States democracy, as well as a symbol of Presidential Power. The engraving, The President’s House, From the River (1840) by William Henry Barlett depicts a scene along the Potomac river. The White House can be clearly seen on a hill from the Potomac River among the grass and trees. The President in 1840, when this image was completed, was Martin Van Buren, who was elected in 1837. Symbolism is a common theme throughout the history of The White House. The President’s House, from the River by William Henry Barlett is a perfect example of how the symbolism associated with the White House has been crucial in the presentation of Presidential power throughout the history of the United States. The symbolism of
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Initially, the design by L’Enfant and George Washington was going to be a ‘Presidential Palace’. However, in 1792, L’Enfant was told that he would be released and his plans would not be used. One of the reasons that L’Enfant’s plans were not used was because of fears, mostly by anti-federalists, that he would create something of such a grandeur as Versailles. During this time there was the question of whether or not the President should be treated like royalty. As shown through the constant back and forth about what the White House should look like on the inside and out, the fears and debates bled into the building of the White House. If the Executive Mansion resembled a palace, then the President could be seen as too much like royalty. There was a competition for who would be the architect of the White House and George Washington picked James Hoban as the winner. The original White House was built between 1792 and 1800. When Thomas Jefferson became president, he decided that he wanted to make renovations, such as expanding the house to have 6 more bedrooms. Then in 1814, the British set the White House on fire. The reconstruction of the White House technically lasted until 1860, but has been continuously modified and modernized with each incoming president. The document from 1840 shows the structure of the White House completely rebuilt, however the exterior was just the starting point for the changes that would ensue with each new President in the White House. These changes can give the American people a look into how the President will approach his
Initially, the design by L’Enfant and George Washington was going to be a ‘Presidential Palace’. However, in 1792, L’Enfant was told that he would be released and his plans would not be used. One of the reasons that L’Enfant’s plans were not used was because of fears, mostly by anti-federalists, that he would create something of such a grandeur as Versailles. During this time there was the question of whether or not the President should be treated like royalty. As shown through the constant back and forth about what the White House should look like on the inside and out, the fears and debates bled into the building of the White House. If the Executive Mansion resembled a palace, then the President could be seen as too much like royalty. There was a competition for who would be the architect of the White House and George Washington picked James Hoban as the winner. The original White House was built between 1792 and 1800. When Thomas Jefferson became president, he decided that he wanted to make renovations, such as expanding the house to have 6 more bedrooms. Then in 1814, the British set the White House on fire. The reconstruction of the White House technically lasted until 1860, but has been continuously modified and modernized with each incoming president. The document from 1840 shows the structure of the White House completely rebuilt, however the exterior was just the starting point for the changes that would ensue with each new President in the White House. These changes can give the American people a look into how the President will approach his