Originally called the "President's Palace," the official residence of the president of the United States was designed by Irish-American architect James Hoban with guidance from President George Washington, whose term ended before he was able to move in. Some slaves took part in the construction, which lasted eight years. Today, the White House is the oldest public building in Washington. Very little of the original structure survived an 1814 fire, set by British troops in retaliation for what? Discuss (http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst29974_Cornerstone-of-the-White-House-Is-Laid-in-Washington--DC--1792-.aspx)
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