Fact check: When was the white house built?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, only one source contains specific information about when the White House was built. The White House construction began in 1791 when the site was selected, with the cornerstone laid in 1792 ^[1]. The building was constructed over eight years, and President John Adams and his wife Abigail moved into the still-unfinished residence ^[1], indicating completion around 1800.

The remaining sources focus on renovations and additions rather than the original construction date. Multiple sources reference that the East Wing was constructed in 1902 ^{[2] [3]}, and several mention President Harry Truman's major renovation after World War II, where he gutted the interior and completely tore the whole thing out ^{[2] [4]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the extensive renovations and reconstructions that have occurred throughout the White House's history. The building that exists today is significantly different from the original structure due to major modifications:

• The Truman-era reconstruction represented the largest change to the White House up to that point ^[4]
• The building has been renovated and changed many times ^[2]
• The White House has seen limited architectural updates since the Truman-era reconstruction ^[3]

The question also doesn't address that different wings and sections were added at various times, such as the East Wing in 1902, making the construction timeline more complex than a single build date would suggest.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself contains no misinformation or bias - it's a straightforward factual inquiry. However, the limited availability of comprehensive historical information in the provided sources could lead to incomplete understanding. Most sources ^{[2] [4] [5] [3]} focus on recent ballroom construction plans and renovations rather than the original construction timeline, which may reflect current political priorities and media coverage rather than historical documentation.

The emphasis on recent construction projects in multiple sources suggests potential political messaging around infrastructure improvements, though this doesn't affect the factual answer to when the White House was originally built.