How many White Houses have existed?

Answer 1

One. The White House was first called the President's House, but in the War of 1812 the British set fire to it. It didn't burn down, but sections were burned ( today some of the damage can still be seen when the paint is removed) and when it was repaired it was painted white. In the 1700's to have a painted building was very unusual because paint was so expensive so to have a whole house painted in the early building of Washington it stood out. The house has been added to, remodeled, and changed through the years. The third floor was once the servants quarters and could only be reached by a ladder. Today it is a whole floor. There is a Bowling alley, theater, flower shop in the White House. The bottom floor, which is open to the public, is considered a museum and is under the guidance of the National Park Service. They often change the items from the collection of Presidential items.