Welcome to the first entry in what should become a regular feature of TFTO.  Under the TTMYGHmm banner we will present to you stories, tidbits, snippets, and random facts that often fall outside of the community well of knowledge.  We will also try to debunk popular myths that have perpetuated themselves either through their seeming believability or through the internet (because everything on the interweb is the gospel).

So let’s start with one of our favourite myths and a very popular one north of the 49th parallel.  We first came across this little story while perusing a copy of Canadian History for Dummies.  

The Myth

During the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain an invasion force of US soldiers attacked and burned much of the capital city of Canada, York (now known as Toronto, which is not the capital of Canada).  In retaliation British forces, made up largely of Canadians, travelled south and attacked Washington, burning the Presidential Mansion in the process.

Side Note:  The history books will almost never actually name Canada or distinguish between Canadian and British soldiers.  This is due to Canada not officially becoming a country until 1867 and so, at this point in history, Canada and it’s inhabitants were British.

After the war the Americans rebuilt their Presidential Mansion.  They were able to use sections of the walls that had not been completely destroyed in the new design.  The builders used white paint to cover up the scorch marks made by the fire.  Since then the Presidential Mansion has been called the White House.

 

The Facts

As much as we here at TFTO would love to have this story be true, sadly, it is not.  Two small facts make this story impossible.  First, the Presidential Mansion had been painted white since its initial construction in 1798.  And second, the first recorded evidence of the public calling it the White House dates from 1911, three years before it was burned down in 1914.

Incidentally, the name “White House” was made official by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901.

Disclaimer:  Most of what we say is true in essence and we generally make an effort to find corroborating evidence to support our claims (hello Wikipedia).  Therefore, if you think that our researchers have done a poor job and are wrong please feel free to let us know along with why you think so.  However, please keep in mind that you found us on the interweb and so everything found here should be taken with a grain of salt.

~RFK