<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 . There are conflicting claims as to where the sandstone used in the construction of the White House originated . Some reports suggest sandstone from the Croatian island of Brač ( specifically the Pučišća querry whose stone was used to build the ancient Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian ) was used in the original construction of the building , contrarily researchers believe limestone from the island was used in the 1902 renovations and not the original construction . Others suggest the original sandstone simply came from Aquia Creek in Stafford County , Virginia , as importing the stone would be too costly . The initial construction took place over a period of eight years , at a reported cost of $232,371.83 ( equal to $3,350,711 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 . There are conflicting claims as to where the sandstone used in the construction of the White House originated . Some reports suggest sandstone from the Croatian island of Brač ( specifically the Pučišća querry whose stone was used to build the ancient Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian ) was used in the original construction of the building , contrarily researchers believe limestone from the island was used in the 1902 renovations and not the original construction . Others suggest the original sandstone simply came from Aquia Creek in Stafford County , Virginia , as importing the stone would be too costly . The initial construction took place over a period of eight years , at a reported cost of $232,371.83 ( equal to $3,350,711 today ) . Although not yet completed , the White House was ready for occupancy circa November 1 , 1800 . </P>
what is the original color of the white house
what is the original color of the white house
sandstone
sandstone