Painting depicting the laying of the cornerstone by President George Washington.

The cornerstone was laid for a presidential residence in the
newly designated capital city of Washington, D.C. In 1800,
President John Adams became the first president to reside
in the executive mansion, which soon became known as the
“White House” because its white-gray Virginia freestone
contrasted strikingly with the red brick of nearby buildings.

The initial construction took place over a period of eight
years, at a reported cost of $232,371.83.

John Adams
(October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826)

The White House in 1800.