1

The numbers behind it

Image: Melo Liu

One could say the White House is a home, but a more accurate description would be "small city." With 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and six levels, it accommodates everyone from the First Family to visiting dignitaries.

As if that wasn’t enough in terms of numbers, add 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, seven staircases, and three elevators, and you’ve got a place that’s as grand as it is functional. The only number left to wonder about is how many people it takes to clean it! With so much going on, it’s safe to say the White House is always buzzing.

2

From "President’s House" to "The White House"

Image: Saul Rodriguez

Did you know the White House wasn’t always called that? Over the years, it’s been referred to as the "President’s Palace," the "President’s House," and the "Executive Mansion."

But it wasn’t until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt made "The White House" the official name. The change reflected a more democratic image, distancing the building from European-style palaces.

3

6,000 visitors a day: A popular destination

Image: Saul Rodriguez

You have probably toured the White House at least once, haven’t you? Well, on any given day, the White House welcomes around 6,000 visitors.

From local and foreign tourists on a guided tour, diplomats, to school groups, the building sees a steady stream of guests. That’s a lot of handshakes, selfies, and security checks! More than power and politics, the charm of the White House lies in the national history it holds.

4

Presidential firsts: Planes, photos, and more

Image: Jainam Sheth

Every president brings something new to the White House, but some have achieved truly historic "firsts."

For example, John Tyler was the first to have his photograph taken. Theodore Roosevelt rode in the first presidential car and became the first president to travel abroad, to Panama. Franklin Roosevelt added air travel to the mix as the first president to fly.

You may be wondering who the first president to live there was, but we’ll cover that fact later in this article!

5

A kitchen built for a crowd

Image: Odiseo Castrejon

We may not know about the cleaning crew, but we do have some facts about the chefs!

There are five full-time chefs in the White House, so the kitchen is ready for any occasion. It can serve dinner to 140 guests or hors d’oeuvres to more than 1,000 people at a time. From state dinners to casual family meals, the kitchen staff handles it all with finesse. Five stars for them, please!

6

Painting the town (or the House) White

Image: Steve Johnson

Keeping the White House pristine is no small task: Can you guess how much paint it takes to cover it? Here’s the answer: It takes a whopping 570 gallons of paint to cover its iconic exterior. This monumental paint job ensures the building remains the picture of elegance and charm. Over the years, this white coat has become a symbol of the presidency itself. Who knew painting could carry so much historical weight? Fun fact: ours is not the only presidential home with a trademark color!

7

Fun and games at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Image: Jay Wennington

When you think of the Executive Mansion, you probably picture people in suits going from one point to another, solving national and international matters, right? Well, that may be true, but the White House isn’t all business; there are some recreational rooms, too.

Residents (which range from the presidential family to diplomats to staff) enjoy a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, billiard room, and even a bowling lane. Talk about a house with some serious amenities, huh?

8

George Washington never slept here

Image: Kenny Eliason

While George Washington oversaw the creation of the White House, he never got to live in it. The mansion wasn’t completed until 1800, a year after Washington’s death.

So, to answer the question from the "presidential firsts" section, John Adams became the first president to move in, and it’s been the home of every president since. Washington’s influence is still felt, but don’t expect to see his ghost wandering the halls.

9

The White House has survived two fires

Image: Cullan Smith

Well, the title pretty much covers it, right? The White House has faced fire twice in its history.

In 1814, British forces burned it during the War of 1812, though some exterior walls and the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington were saved. Then, on Christmas Eve in 1929, a chimney flue sparked a blaze that gutted parts of the West Wing. President Herbert Hoover even directed firefighting efforts during the chaos. Now, this is proof of its true Americanness: It only came back stronger and taller!

10

Teddy Roosevelt built the West Wing

Image: Srikanta H. U

Teddy Roosevelt is the man behind the West Wing. In 1902, he expanded the White House by adding this now-famous section to house presidential offices.

The project replaced some old conservatories and introduced the colonnaded gallery that connects it to the main residence. Later presidents, like Taft and Franklin Roosevelt, expanded the West Wing further, but it all started with Teddy’s vision. Today, the West Wing is the spinal cord of the presidency as it holds the Oval Office.

1

Dundas Castle, Roscoe, New York

Image: Annie Spratt

Also known as Craig-e-Clair, this castle was built by Ralph Dundas in the early 20th century. It is an architectural marvel of stone and copper.

Dundas died before the castle was completed, and his wife was reportedly committed to a sanitarium shortly after. Consequently, no member of the Dundas family ever actually lived in the mansion. This has led to the "Ghost of Dundas Castle" legends, with locals claiming to see a woman in white wandering the unfinished halls, waiting for a housewarming party that never happened.

2

Rockwell House, Milledgeville, Georgia

Image: Clem Geiss

Built in 1838, the Rockwell House is a stunning example of Federal-style architecture, but its beauty is shadowed by a dark past. It was originally built for Colonel Samuel Rockwell, a prominent lawyer.

Local lore whispers about the "Rockwell Ghost," believed to be a young girl who died during a yellow fever outbreak. However, the house’s most tangible secret lies in its survival; it has endured multiple fires and periods of extreme neglect. In recent years, it has become a focal point for preservationists who uncovered hidden structural reinforcements that suggest the house was built to be an impenetrable fortress of its era.

3

Elda Castle, Ossining, New York

Image: Nitrogel

If the name David Abercrombie sounds familiar, it’s because he co-founded the clothing company Abercrombie & Fitch . But in the 1920s, he also built this granite castle, named Elda (an acronym of his children’s names), as a secluded retreat.

The castle features a network of spiral staircases and open-air porches designed to blend the indoors with the rugged wild. Its abandonment, however, is a sheer tragedy. After the family moved out, the castle was used as a research facility and later fell victim to vandals. Legend has it that a fire in the 1940s was started by squatters, leaving behind a charred stone husk that resembles a medieval ruin more than a 20th-century home.

4

Mongo's Castle, Memphis, Tennessee

Image: Denny Müller

A stark contrast to the classical mansions of the South, Mongo’s Castle was the passion project of Mongo Bebe, a man who built his home out of scrap stone, Ashlar blocks, and found materials.

The house is a maze of folk-art eccentricity. The builder intended it to be a community center and a symbol of African-American heritage and self-reliance. It stands today as a decaying puzzle, with many neighbors still unsure of the structural logic behind its towering, uneven walls.

5

Bannerman's Castle, Pollepel Island, New York

Image: Leonard G., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Rising from the Hudson River, this castle was never intended to be a home; it was a giant advertisement and warehouse for Francis Bannerman VI’s military surplus empire.

In 1920, 200 tons of gunpowder and shells exploded in the castle’s powder house, blowing out a significant portion of the walls. The ground is still considered unstable due to the remnants of military munitions, and the inscriptions on the walls are actually warnings and advertisements for the Bannerman business. Do you dare visit this mansion?

6

Castle Mont Rouge, Rougemont, North Carolina

Image: Florian Delée

This whimsical, onion-domed castle looks like it belongs in the Russian countryside rather than the North Carolina woods. It was designed by sculptor Robert Mihaly, but he ended up abandoning the project in the early 2000s following a personal tragedy and financial hurdles.

The castle remains an "empty sculpture," filled with intricate marble work and unfinished turrets. The bizarre architectural fusion lacks a standard floor plan, making it nearly impossible to convert into a functional residence without destroying its artistic integrity.

7

Ha Ha Tonka Castle, Camdenton, Missouri

Image: Hannah McBride

Robert Snyder, a wealthy Kansas City businessman, began building this European-style castle in 1905. He wanted a retreat that overlooked the breathtaking Ha Ha Tonka Spring.

Yet, Snyder never got to see his dream finished; he was killed in one of Missouri’s first recorded automobile accidents just a year after construction began. His sons finished the castle, but it was gutted by a fire in 1942. There’s a hidden network of caves beneath the castle, which were rumored to be used by outlaws and later as a natural "refrigerator" for the estate’s kitchen.

8

Carleton Island Villa, Cape Vincent, New York

Image: Tama66

This once-magnificent villa was built for William Wyckoff, who made a fortune with the Remington Typewriter Company.

The Secret: Wyckoff’s dream turned into a nightmare on the very first night he stayed in the house. He suffered a massive heart attack and died in his sleep. His wife had passed away a month prior, leaving the villa to a son who had no interest in it. The house has stood empty for over 70 years, its secret being the tragic "cursed" timing that prevented it from ever functioning as a family home.

9

Dicksonia Plantation, Lowndesboro, Alabama

Image: Theo Bickel

Dicksonia was a quintessential antebellum mansion, featuring the massive columns and wrap-around porches synonymous with the Old South.

Unlike many plantations that were destroyed during the Civil War, Dicksonia survived the conflict only to be destroyed by a mysterious fire in 1939. Its "ghost pillars," however, remained standing long after the wooden house burned away. These towering brick columns became a haunting landmark , representing the structural skeletons of a forgotten social order.

10

Wyndcliffe, Rhinebeck, New York

Image: Peter Herrmann

This house is the literal origin of the phrase "Keeping up with the Joneses." Though often referred to as a "Mystery Mansion" by urban explorers, this is the ruin of Wyndcliffe, the estate of Elizabeth Schermerhorn Jones.

Elizabeth’s mansion was so grand and intimidating that it prompted her neighbors—including the Astors—to build even larger homes to compete. The secret of Wyndcliffe is the psychological impact of its architecture; it was built to inspire envy, and its current state of absolute decay is a poetic commentary on the fleeting nature of social status.

1

Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska

Image: John Dame

Imagine driving through the Great Plains and stumbling across Stonehenge—only this version is made entirely of old cars. That’s Carhenge. Built in 1987 by artist Jim Reinders, this auto-art installation mirrors the original monument’s dimensions using vintage American cars, all painted gray. It’s history with a humorous twist, you know!

2

Salvation Mountain – Niland, California

Image: Megan Ellis

Located near the edge of the desert, Salvation Mountain is a wonder filled with color and faith. Leonard Knight spent decades slathering adobe and straw with thick coats of paint, spreading a message of love through hand-lettered Bible verses. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the heart behind this monument—it’s pure passion on display.

3

The Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

This isn’t your average country drive. The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of open road lined with enormous metal sculptures—everything from geese in flight to grasshoppers the size of RVs. Created by Gary Greff, a small-town schoolteacher turned roadside visionary, this whimsical parade of artwork proves that a little welding—and a lot of heart—can turn even the quietest town into a road trip highlight.

4

The Paper House – Rockport, Massachusetts

Image: Unlimited Access

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with old newspapers, how about building a house? In the 1920s, engineer Elis Stenman did just that. The walls, furniture—even the curtains—are made from varnished newspapers. It’s cozy, clever, and surprisingly sturdy. Part architecture, part recycling marvel, this little New England oddity is well worth the detour.

5

The Museum of Bad Art – Boston, Massachusetts

Image: Marishka Tsiklauri

Some artwork takes your breath away. Other pieces make you laugh out loud—and that’s exactly the goal at the Museum of Bad Art. This small but mighty gallery celebrates delightfully terrible creations. It’s not about mocking; quite the opposite. It’s about finding joy in the offbeat and honoring artists who dared to create something totally different. Trust us—you’ll leave smiling.

6

The Unclaimed Baggage Center – Scottsboro, Alabama

Image: Raquel Brepohl

Ever wonder where your missing suitcase ended up? Chances are, it’s here. The Unclaimed Baggage Center is part retail store, part treasure hunt. Spread across 40,000 square feet, it sells items left behind at airports—from clothes and gadgets to the occasional surprise oddity. If you enjoy thrifting, this is a must-stop on your trip.

7

The Wigwam Motel – Holbrook, Arizona

Image: Johnathan Ciarrocca

Nothing screams classic Americana like Route 66, and the Wigwam Motel delivers. Here, you’ll sleep in your very own concrete teepee. It’s one of only three surviving "Wigwam Villages" from the 1950s. It’s kitschy, it’s cozy, and it’s a nostalgic nod to the road trips of yesteryear. Want a bonus? Check out the vintage cars parked out front.

8

The House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin

Image: Cristina Glebova

Imagine a mansion crossed with a carnival funhouse—that’s The House on the Rock. Started in the 1940s by Alex Jordan Jr., this labyrinth of rooms features bizarre collections, from a giant carousel to self-playing orchestras and a hall filled with model ships. It’s overwhelming, wonderful, and completely unforgettable—a place where your inner child will be wide-eyed the entire time.

9

The Grotto of the Redemption – West Bend, Iowa

Image: Mustafa akın

Part spiritual sanctuary, part geological marvel, the Grotto of the Redemption is made of millions of stones, gems, and fossils. Started by Father Paul Dobberstein in 1912, this labor of love took over 40 years to complete. The result? A jaw-dropping series of religious scenes and structures that glitter in the sunlight. Bring your sunglasses—you’re in for a dazzling experience.

10

The UFO Watchtower – Hooper, Colorado

Image: Gabriel Tovar

For those who believe in aliens—or just love a good alien yarn—the UFO Watchtower is a must-see. Located in the San Luis Valley, a hotspot for sightings, this quirky site offers 360-degree views of the sky, a garden filled with visitor trinkets, and plenty of stories. Try it out—what if you spot a flying saucer? Let’s face it, we’re all a little curious about what’s out there.

11

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas

Image: Amie Bell

It started small. Then the neighbors added to it. Then visitors joined in. Now, it’s a Midwest legend. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine keeps growing, with a yearly "twine-a-thon" that invites everyone to contribute. It’s quirky, community-powered, and a great example of how something ordinary can become roadside-worthy.

12

The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things – Lucas, Kansas

Image: Nik

Yes, that’s the real name. And yes, it’s every bit as whimsical as it sounds. Artist Erika Nelson created this traveling museum of tiny replicas, honoring America’s obsession with "world’s largest" attractions. It’s part satire, part celebration, and completely charming.