The President's House in 1801 William Birch, Washington City and the President's House, 1801 The men at lower left are making furniture for the still-unfinished dwelling. The President's House became known as the White House after it was repainted, having been damaged by fire during the War of 1812. Close Window This page is supported in part by a grant from the Montana Committee for the Humanities. From Discovering Lewis & Clark®, © 2004 VIAs Inc.