Welcome to the Park of the Month newsletter for January 2025. This month we’re featuring an iconic symbol of American democracy that many don’t realize is a national park site.
The White House and President's Park
Location
Washington D.C., United States
Claim to fame
Possibly the most famous symbol of American democracy, the White House is a National Heritage Site and a part of the President’s Park unit of the National Park Service (NPS).
Despite the building’s iconic status, many are surprised to learn that the White House as well as the grounds surrounding it are overseen by the NPS. They are protected and managed by America’s park rangers, another American icon.
Reason to visit
Public tours of the White House are only available to US citizens who have requested entry via a member of Congress. While visiting the mansion itself is restricted, the White House Visitor Center operated by the NPS is open to the public and contains exhibits about the executive home and the families that have lived within it.
President’s Park covers 82 acres in total, including the public parks Lafayette Square and the Ellipse, as well as other nearby buildings. A view of the White House is one of the more memorable sights of a trip to the US capital.
Wild Fact
Construction on the White House began in 1792 and ended in 1800, when the second US president, John Adams, took up residence there. Like much of early Washington DC, including the Capitol Building, the White House was built by enslaved African Americans and immigrants.
Records show that at least 201 enslaved people were used to construct the White House and Capitol Building, though many more undocumented workers probably labored there. Ten of the first twelve US presidents also kept enslaved people within the White House as staff.
Want to learn more about The White House and President’s Park? Visit the park’s website.
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