Few locations across the globe can rival the metropolitan Washington DC area for world-class museums and historic sites. The White House is the oldest building in the District of Columbia, serving as the home of ever U.S. president since the 1800s. As long ago as 1792, Thomas Jefferson initiated a national design contest for an official presidential residence. The award was given to James Hoban, an Irish architect. During the British invasion in 1814, the White House was all but completely burned to the ground. By 1817, it had been completely rebuilt. The Capitol Hill area below the White House includes the Library of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Capital Children’s Museum, the Sewall-Belmont House and the National Museum of African Art as well as a neighborhood filled with fine shops and gourmet restaurants. From our nation's Capital City to the villages and towns that dot the suburban region, you'll find fascinating glimpses of yesterday around every corner.