John Adams, the Founding Father whose intellect, passion and
political philosophy fueled American independence and gave
shape to constitutional governments now found around the
world, became the first president to live in the White House on
this day in history, Nov. 1, 1800.

"I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House
and all that shall hereafter inhabit it," Adams wrote to first lady
Abigail, who had yet to arrive, on his second night in the new
executive mansion.

Paintings of former U.S. President John Adams, right, and
his wife Abigail Adams, are displayed at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, Massachusetts.