Video: 'John & Abigail Adams Move into the President's Mansion'

(Saturday, November 1, 1800) — John Adams, the nation’s second president, moved into the nearly completed President’s Mansion (which would become known in the early 20th century as the White House) today at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.

Adam’s wife, Abigail, arrived from the family’s former home in Philadelphia a few weeks later.

Upon arriving at their residence, Adams wrote to her (on Nov, 2, 1800), “Before I end my letter, I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”

Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban, construction of the White House began with the laying of the cornerstone on October 13, 1792. 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.

Adams would reside in the mansion for only five months. His former friend, Vice President Thomas Jefferson, would quash his re-election bid in 1800.

The Adamses returned to their native Massachusetts after Jefferson’s inauguration on March 4, 1801.