War and the White House

The American colonies gained their independence by fighting a war against England. After the American Revolution, the newly formed United States began to establish itself as a nation by ratifying the Constitution, creating a capital in Washington, D.C., and building the President's House. As the home of the president, the White House has confronted war on various occasions in more than two hundred years of its existence. Learn about the physical scars created during the War of 1812, the victory gardens planted on the grounds during World Wars I and II, and other topics highlighting the history of the White House and war.