1. Ghostly Encounters: The White House is said to be haunted by several spirits. The most famous ghostly encounter involves the ghost of Abraham Lincoln, who has been sighted by many individuals, including First Lady Grace Coolidge. It is believed that Lincoln’s spirit still roams the halls of the White House, often appearing near the Lincoln Bedroom or the Yellow Oval Room. Some visitors and staff have reported feeling a ghostly presence and hearing footsteps and whispers when no one else is around.
2. Secret Tunnels: The White House has an intricate network of secret tunnels and underground passages. These tunnels serve various purposes, including security and transportation. They allow the President and staff to move discreetly between different areas of the White House and nearby buildings, such as the Treasury Building and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. These tunnels also provide secure access to the White House in case of emergencies.
3. Bowling Alley: The White House has a small two-lane bowling alley in the basement, which was installed by President Harry S. Truman in 1947. It was originally constructed as a birthday present for Truman, who was an avid bowler. Over the years, many presidents and their families have enjoyed bowling games in this unique recreational space.
4. Vegetable Garden: First Lady Michelle Obama initiated the “Kitchen Garden” on the White House grounds in 2009. It is a 1,100-square-foot garden located on the South Lawn and was designed to promote healthy eating and educate children about the benefits of fresh produce. The garden includes a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits, and the produce is used in the White House kitchen for meals and state events.
5. Zoo on the Lawn: During President Calvin Coolidge’s administration in the 1920s, the White House had a small menagerie on the grounds. The collection included various animals, such as lions, a pygmy hippopotamus named Billy, a wallaby, and other exotic species. These animals were presented as gifts to Coolidge from foreign dignitaries. The menagerie added a touch of eccentricity to the White House during that time.
6. Solar Panels: In an effort to promote renewable energy, President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the White House roof in 1979. These solar panels were used to heat water for the White House and were a symbol of the growing interest in alternative energy sources. However, the panels were later removed during renovations in the 1980s and were not reinstalled until 2010, under President Barack Obama’s administration.
7. Swimming Pool Cover: Beneath the press briefing room, there is a hidden swimming pool in the White House. It was initially constructed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it for hydrotherapy to alleviate the symptoms of his polio. The pool was equipped with hydraulic lifts to assist Roosevelt in entering and exiting the water. The pool was later covered and converted into a press briefing room during the administration of President Richard Nixon.
8. Fire Incidents: The White House has experienced several fire incidents throughout its history. One of the most notable was during the War of 1812 when the British forces set fire to the White House in 1814. The building was extensively damaged, and President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison had to evacuate. After the fire, the White House underwent a significant restoration and reconstruction process. The incident highlights the resilience and historical significance of the White House.
The End.