Published December 5, 2013

Benjamin Harrison’s Push for a Grand White House Renovation in 1892

In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison pushed to renovate the Executive Mansion to match the elegant standards of European castles. See the plans and model of what the White House might have looked like if it had been completed by the 100th anniversary of the cornerstone laying.

-ad 188-

During the administration of President Benjamin Harrison, there was a push to renovate the Executive Mansion, bringing it up to the elegant standards of European castles. This was to reflect the growing importance of America and would be an ostentatious display of wealth. It’s fascinating to think what it would look like today if it had been completed in 1892 — it was to be dedicated at the 100th anniversary of the cornerstone laying for the White House.

Source: Library of Congress

You’ll notice in the plans that there are tribute statues to Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington to be placed on top of domes. The eastern wing was to be available for displaying art of historical significance to the public, and the western wing was to be used for official business and formal occasions.

Below is a model of what it would have looked like, looking at it from the north.