• Rep. Byrns with a Portrait of Sarah Yorke Jackson
    Harris & Ewing
    Congress
    west view
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    This photograph from Harris & Ewing is of Representative Joseph "Jo" Wellington Byrns of Tennessee outside the West Wing circa 1920-1921. Byrns is photographed with an unnamed woman and a portrait of Sarah Yorke Jackson, the wife of Andrew Jackson Jr., who was the adopted son of President Andrew Jackson. Sarah filled the role of White House hostess during the last months of the Jackson administration and her portrait was added to the White House Collection in 1924. Byrns would go on to serve as the 41st Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1935 to 1936. To see the portrait of Sarah Yorke Jackson, see asset 3735 in the Digital Library.
  • President Coolidge with American Indian Delegation
    Harris & Ewing
    American Indians
    delegation
    west view
    In this photograph, President Calvin Coolidge poses alongside a group of American Indian men outside the West Wing of the White House. Following the enactment of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924, Coolidge invited delegations from many American Indian nations to the White House. During his presidency, Coolidge increased public perception of the challenges faced by American Indian communities, while promoting assimilation into American society.
  • American Indian Group Visits the Rose Garden
    Harris & Ewing
    west view
    pets
    West Terrace
    South Grounds
    Rose Garden
    American Indians
    This photograph was taken around February 1922. It shows a group of unidentified men in the West Garden, including some dressed in traditional American Indian attire and headdresses. Several people and a dog converse the West Terrace above. The dog is likely Laddie Boy, President Warren G. Harding's Airedale terrier. The West Garden was reimagined as a green theater for official ceremonies and rededicated as the Rose Garden during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • American Indian Group Poses for Photographs by the West Wing
    Harris & Ewing
    American Indians
    west view
    This photograph, taken around February 1922, shows a group of American Indian men gathered near the entrance of the West Wing. A man wearing a traditional headdress photographs the group. Many American Indian delegations traveled to the White House during the 19th and 20th centuries. Although some presidents expressed sympathy for their challenges, they were often met with pressure to concede their lands and assimilate into American society.
  • President Coolidge with American Indian Delegation
    Harris & Ewing
    south view
    delegation
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    American Indians
    west view
    In this photograph, President Calvin Coolidge poses alongside a group of American Indian visitors including men, women, and children on the South Grounds of the White House. At left of the group is the the West Garden. The West Garden was reimagined as a green theater for official ceremonies and rededicated as the Rose Garden during the John F. Kennedy administration. Following the enactment of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924, Coolidge invited delegations from many American Indian nations to the White House. During his presidency, Coolidge increased public perception of the challenges faced by American Indian communities, while promoting assimilation into American society.
  • Staff Evacuate White House following September 11 Terrorist Attacks
    Unknown
    west view
    staff
    September 11
    In this photograph, White House staffers run toward the iron gates on West Executive Avenue following an evacuation order issued by the United States Secret Service after the terrorist attacks on the morning of September 11, 2001. In response to the threat of additional attacks, approximately 1,800 executive office employees were evacuated from the East and West Wings of the White House, the Old Executive Office Building (later rededicated as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building), the New Executive Office Building, and the Winder Building.
  • Staff Evacuate White House following September 11 Terrorist Attacks
    Unknown
    September 11
    staff
    west view
    In this photograph, White House staffers run toward the iron gates on West Executive Avenue following an evacuation order issued by the United States Secret Service after the terrorist attacks on the morning of September 11, 2001. In response to the threat of additional attacks, approximately 1,800 executive office employees were evacuated from the East and West Wings of the White House, the Old Executive Office Building (later rededicated as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building), the New Executive Office Building, and the Winder Building.
  • Moment of Silence, September 11, 2019
    Andrea Hanks
    military
    flags
    commemorations
    U.S. Marine Band
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    September 11
    west view
    In this photograph, a flag detail and a lone bugler from the United States Marine Band march across the South Grounds in front of the Rose Garden in advance of a moment of silence held on the South Lawn to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • Rose Garden, John F. Kennedy Administration
    Robert L. Knudsen
    west view
    South Grounds
    Rose Garden
    West Colonnade
    This photograph of the Rose Garden was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on July 13, 1962, during the John F. Kennedy administration. The Rose Garden is located on the west side of the South Grounds, just outside the Oval Office. It has gone through several incarnations: a vegetable garden in the first part of the 19th century, a “colonial” garden in 1902, and then replaced with a rose garden in 1913. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to expand the garden for official functions and events. His idea became the Rose Garden, designed by horticulturist, gardener, and close friend of the Kennedys, Rachel Lambert Mellon. The garden was installed the following year, becoming a green theater for official ceremonies and a special place for the first family’s private enjoyment. This photograph shows the Rose Garden after Rachel Lambert Mellon oversaw its installation.
  • 2019 Holiday Decorations at West Wing Entrance
    Matthew D'Agostino
    holidays
    Christmas
    West View
    This photograph of the West Wing Entrance was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a preview of the White House holiday decorations. A large Christmas tree is visible through the doors. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.
  • 2019 Holiday Decorations at West Wing Entrance
    Matthew D'Agostino
    holidays
    Christmas
    West View
    This photograph of the West Wing Entrance was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a preview of the White House holiday decorations. A large Christmas tree is visible through the doors. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.
  • Holiday Wreath Outside the White House
    Matthew D'Agostino
    Christmas
    holidays
    west view
    This photograph of a White House window decorated for the holidays was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on November 20, 2018. For their second holiday season in the White House, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump chose the theme "American Treasures" for their decor. "American Treasures" was inspired by the heart and spirit of America and featured White House holiday traditions such as the White House Gingerbread House, expanded this year to include replicas of major monuments in Washington, D.C. and the Capitol, the historic 18th-century Neapolitan crèche in the East Room, the Blue Room Christmas tree, and the Cranberry Tree in the Red Room. Over 200 hundred volunteers assisted in the decoration of the White House. The decorations included 55 Christmas trees, 105 of Mrs. Trump's signature wreaths, and more than 20,000 feet of lights.
  • Holiday Wreath Outside the White House
    Matthew D'Agostino
    Christmas
    holidays
    west view
    This photograph of a White House window decorated for the holidays was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on November 20, 2018. For their second holiday season in the White House, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump chose the theme "American Treasures" for their decor. "American Treasures" was inspired by the heart and spirit of America and featured White House holiday traditions such as the White House Gingerbread House, expanded this year to include replicas of major monuments in Washington, D.C. and the Capitol, the historic 18th-century Neapolitan crèche in the East Room, the Blue Room Christmas tree, and the Cranberry Tree in the Red Room. Over 200 hundred volunteers assisted in the decoration of the White House. The decorations included 55 Christmas trees, 105 of Mrs. Trump's signature wreaths, and more than 20,000 feet of lights.
  • Holiday Wreath Outside the White House
    Matthew D'Agostino
    Christmas
    holidays
    west view
    This photograph of a White House window decorated for the holidays was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on November 20, 2018. For their second holiday season in the White House, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump chose the theme "American Treasures" for their decor. "American Treasures" was inspired by the heart and spirit of America and featured White House holiday traditions such as the White House Gingerbread House, expanded this year to include replicas of major monuments in Washington, D.C. and the Capitol, the historic 18th-century Neapolitan crèche in the East Room, the Blue Room Christmas tree, and the Cranberry Tree in the Red Room. Over 200 hundred volunteers assisted in the decoration of the White House. The decorations included 55 Christmas trees, 105 of Mrs. Trump's signature wreaths, and more than 20,000 feet of lights.
  • White House, West Terrace
    Jules Guerin
    White House
    west view
    West Terrace
    This engraving was drawn by Jules Guerin with a half-tone plate engraved by H. C. Merrill shows the White House West Terrace as seen from the State Dining Room windows. The State, War, and Navy Building, later renamed the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, is in the background. It was commissioned as part of a series during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency (1901-1909) to illustrate the 1902 improvements to the White House.
  • West Wing of the White House
    Unknown
    White House
    west view
    This silver print photograph shows the west side of the White House and the entrance to the White House grounds. The large cannon with bronze shield at the bottom visible in the right corner is part of a monument on the grounds of the State War and Navy Building, which is known today the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. It was taken during William H. Taft's presidency.
  • Wool from President Wilson's Sheep
    Unknown
    west view
    pets
    Residence staff
    staff
    This photograph shows staff gathering piles of wool sheared from President Woodrow Wilson's sheep outside the Executive Offices, later known as the West Wing. The sight of sheep grazing on the lawn of Wilson’s White House was a symbol of support of troops overseas during World War I. The original flock of 12 sheep and 4 lambs, purchased at a Bowie, Maryland, farm in May 1918, grew to 48, saved manpower by cutting the grass, and earned $52,823 for the Red Cross through auction of the wool.
  • White House with Flag at Half Mast, Side A
    Keystone View Company
    funeral
    west view
    Rose Garden
    This stereograph by Keystone View Company shows the White House with its flag lowered to half mast in mourning of President Warren G. Harding, whose body was lying in state. While in San Francisco toward the end of his "Voyage of Understanding," Harding suddenly died on August 2, 1923, most likely from a heart attack. The caption reads: "The White House, Flag at Half Mast White President Harding's Body Was Lying in State." Taken from above the West Wing, this photograph overlooks the Rose Garden. Prior to its transformation by Rachel Lambert Mellon in 1962, the West Garden went through several iterations. This photograph shows the space as a Rose Garden, as planned by First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson and George Burnap in 1913.
  • Crowds Waiting in the Rain to Say Good-Bye and Good Luck to President Coolidge
    Herbert E. French
    inauguration
    west view
    This photograph by Herbert E. French of National Photo Company, shows crowds waiting to say goodbye to President Calvin Coolidge on President Herbert Hoover's Inauguration Day.
  • Catholic Women's Conference Attendees at the White House
    Keystone View Company
    women
    west view
    This silver gelatin print shows members of the National Council of Catholic Women after they called on First Lady Florence Kling Harding at the White House on October 12, 1921.
  • Public Reception at the White House
    Herbert E. French
    West Wing
    west view
    This photograph of visitors entering the West Wing of the White House was taken by Herbert E. French of the National Photo Company in April 1922. During World War I the White House and its grounds had been closed to the public. President Warren G. Harding reopened the White House gates in 1921 and greeted thousands of public citizens at the executive offices between 1921 and 1923. Crowds flocked to the executive offices and lined up to meet the president for his afternoon tri-weekly public receptions held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as part of his policy of returning the nation to "normalcy."
  • Fire in the West Wing
    Herbert E. French
    West Wing
    west view
    This black and white photograph by Herbert E. French of the National Photo Company captures firefighters on ladders battling a fire that nearly consumed the West Wing on Christmas Eve 1929, during the administration of President Herbert Hoover. Smoke billows out of the upper windows and the stone over the other windows is deeply burned as the two firemen climb the ladders.
  • Public Reception at the White House
    Herbert E. French
    West Wing
    west view
    This black and white photograph by Herbert E. French of the National Photo Company shows throngs of people lined up outside the West Wing, waiting to attend a public reception at the White House in April of 1929, during the presidency of Herbert Hoover.
  • West Wing of the White House
    Bruce White
    West Terrace
    west view
    This digital photograph by Bruce White shows the West Wing and West Terrace of the White House from the west. It was taken during Barack Obama's presidency.
  • White House after Snowstorm - Conservatories
    Handy Studios
    White House
    west view
    snow
    This photograph of the west side of the White House after an epic snowstorm in the winter of 1900 also shows the conservatories. It was taken during William McKinley's presidency (1897-1901).