<Li> <P> House intended for the President, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1790s). Built to be the permanent presidential mansion, neither Washington nor Adams would occupy it . </P> </Li> <P> House intended for the President, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1790s). Built to be the permanent presidential mansion, neither Washington nor Adams would occupy it . </P> <P> The President's House was a major feature of Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant's' plan for the newly established federal city, Washington, D.C. (see: L'Enfant Plan). The architect of the White House was chosen in a design competition which received nine proposals, including one submitted anonymously by Thomas Jefferson . </P> <P> President Washington visited Charleston, South Carolina in May 1791 on his "Southern Tour", and saw the under - construction Charleston County Courthouse designed by Irish architect James Hoban . He is reputed to have met with Hoban then . The following year, he summoned the architect to Philadelphia and met with him in June 1792 . </P>

Where did the white house used to be