<P> Construction of the White House began with the laying of the cornerstone on October 13 , 1792 , although there was no formal ceremony . The main residence , as well as foundations of the house , were built largely by enslaved and free African - American laborers , as well as employed Europeans . Much of the other work on the house was performed by immigrants , many not yet with citizenship . The sandstone walls were erected by Scottish immigrants , employed by Hoban , as were the high - relief rose and garland decorations above the north entrance and the `` fish scale '' pattern beneath the pediments of the window hoods . The initial construction took place over a period of eight years , at a reported cost of $232,371.83 ( equal to $3,279,177 today ) . Although not yet completed , the White House was ready for occupancy circa November 1 , 1800 . </P>
<P> Construction of the White House began with the laying of the cornerstone on October 13 , 1792 , although there was no formal ceremony . The main residence , as well as foundations of the house , were built largely by enslaved and free African - American laborers , as well as employed Europeans . Much of the other work on the house was performed by immigrants , many not yet with citizenship . The sandstone walls were erected by Scottish immigrants , employed by Hoban , as were the high - relief rose and garland decorations above the north entrance and the `` fish scale '' pattern beneath the pediments of the window hoods . The initial construction took place over a period of eight years , at a reported cost of $232,371.83 ( equal to $3,279,177 today ) . Although not yet completed , the White House was ready for occupancy circa November 1 , 1800 . </P>
when did the construction of the white house begin
when did the construction of the white house begin
October 13 , 1792
October 13 , 1792