The White House is the official residence and workplace, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. of the President of the United States. This historic structure has formed the backdrop against which many decisions took place that etched their mark in American history.
Few people really know that the White House is fully packed with things such as hidden tunnels, secret rooms, and even ghostly sightings.
Today, I’m diving into 15 secrets of the White House you probably didn’t know about.
15. The Secret Bunker Underneath the White House
The Secret Bunker Beneath the White House Deep in the White House, there is a very secretive space known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, or PEOC. Constructed during World War II as a bomb shelter, this bunker has received a series of upgrades to meet bigger threats, such as nuclear attacks.
It is located in the basement of the East Wing, and it contains everything the President and his staff may want or need while operating in a national crisis: food and water, air filtration systems, medical supplies, and communication systems.
Only high-ranking officials who are part of national security can go inside. One well-remembered use of the bunker was during the September 11th terrorist attacks when the President and his team sought refuge there.
14. The Secret Tunnels
The Secret Tunnels Rumor has it that the White House has a lot of tunnels which are less known, spiraling beneath it. According to these rumors, those tunnels were constructed for the President during World War II so that he might have a safe way to get out in case of an emergency.
Some say the tunnels connect the West and East Wings of the White House to other government buildings, such as the Treasury and Eisenhower Executive Office Building. How long and numerous the tunnels are is unknown, but said to be guarded by high-tech security systems.
13. The Secret Cinema
Believe it or not, there is a movie theater that is kept secret in the White House. Tucked away in the East Wing, the White House Family Theater was built in 1942 during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency and later renovated under Nixon.
It’s a full-on cinema with about 40 seats, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a selection of classic and modern films. More often than not, it is a place where the President and his family might want to sneak in some private time, occasionally inviting their friends along.
In fact, it is said that President Kennedy went into that very theater to watch a movie amidst the Cuban Missile Crisis—of course, with a tub of popcorn in hand!
12. The Kitchen Has Food Testers
It may sound medieval, but the White House does employ food testers. Their role is to screen everything served to the President and other officials for safety.
The cooks taste each dish in search of contaminants or allergens and go so far as to advise on taste and presentation. The staff working in the kitchen must sign a secrecy agreement regarding their work in the kitchen.
These testers make sure that every meal at the White House is safe and a delight to eat.
11. The Secret Wine Stash
The White House has a wine cellar. It is a stash in the basement, comprising everything from new and old favorite domestic wines to very rare international bottles of wine.
The collection of wine in the White House would be in the hands of its sommelier, usually in close collaboration with the First Family. The cellar itself is not open to the public, though it does play a big role during state dinners and receptions where specially selected wines are served.
10. Rooftop Snipers
The White House has nothing to joke about when it comes to security, and one of the subtler active rules is the snipers on each rooftop.
These professional gunmen are part of the Secret Service’s Counter Sniper Team, which stands ready on the White House roof and other buildings ready to defend the President and property against any perceived threat. With high-powered rifles, they have perfect aim and are always in training for whatever may arise.
9. The Restricted Swimming Pool
There are two pools in the White House, but only one remains functional. The first pool was built for Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is now closed to make room for another room, the Press Room. The current indoor pool, installed in 1975 by order of Gerald Ford, is heated and strictly off-limits to most. Only the President could take a dip with his family and selected few.
Over the years, some funny moments have been recorded at the pool, which is famous for hosting a push-up contest between First Lady Michelle Obama and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
8. The Basement Bowling Alley
For the bowlers, White House has a secret bowling alley that was installed by Harry Truman back in 1947. The two-lane alley is bedecked with Presidential seals and a red-white-and-blue color scheme, nestled deep in the basement.
Since then, everything from casual family games to major landmarks, like President Nixon bowling a perfect game, has taken place there.
7. The Private Gym
When the President wants to work out, they don’t have to hit a public gym-they’ve got their own private one in the basement.
The gym is fitted with all the essentials: treadmills, weights, and even a basketball court. It also includes personal trainers and fitness plans available to the President and high-ranking staff to keep them in shape.
6. The Secret Rooftop Garden
The White House does have a fashionable rooftop garden, initiated by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009. To a great extent, her “Let’s Move” initiative, this garden is filled with organic vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. The fresh produce is used in White House meals and given out to local organizations.
5. Windows That Never Open
There’s something like 146 panes in the White House windows, but none of them open. For security reasons, all of the windows are bulletproof and shatterproof, designed to protect the President and other staff within. They let in plenty of light, but stay tightly sealed against intrusions.
4. The White House Was Built by Slaves
While it is an iconic symbol of freedom, much of the history surrounding the White House contains a somewhat darker tint. The structure was partly built by enslaved individuals who were put to work in extremely harsh conditions.
A fact often glazed over, this is part of American history that reminds one of the nation’s complicated legacy from its past.
3. The Dentist’s Office
Among the many facilities in the White House is its very own dental clinic. The President and their family, as well as top officials, have access to dental care right on the premises. Barack Obama once mentioned getting a crown fixed at the White House clinic during his presidency.
2. The Situation Room
The White House’s Situation Room is a high-security conference room where the President and top officials meet during crises.
This room is packed with cutting-edge communication technology and has been the site of many critical decisions, including the raid on Osama bin Laden and the response to the 9/11 attacks.
1. Ghosts
And finally, the White House has its fair share of ghost stories. The most famous ghost is said to be Abraham Lincoln, whose apparition has reportedly been seen in the Lincoln Bedroom. Other sightings include the ghost of Dolly Madison in the Rose Garden and Abigail Adams in the East Room.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories add a mysterious touch to this historic residence.
So, those are some of the White House’s best-kept secrets. From hidden bunkers to presidential ghosts, there’s a lot more going on at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue than meets the eye!
