Construction of the White House, a global symbol of American power and political stability, began with the laying of its cornerstone on this day in history, Oct.
13, 1792. "James Hoban, an Irish-born and trained architect then living in South Carolina, won the design competition for the White House," reports the White House Historical Association. "It was planned and constructed under the personal supervision of President George Washington." Hoban had arrived in the United States in 1785.
His vision for the neoclassical mansion was selected by Congress over several designs, including one submitted by Thomas Jefferson.
He was inspired by the Palladian style of the Leinster House in Dublin. President George Washington announced on Jan. 24, 1791, that a new capital city, a District of Columbia, would be built upon 100 square miles of land at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.
Read more on foxnews.com