A Picnic on the White House Lawn

Title

A Picnic on the White House Lawn

Description

During the 1800s the White House was much more accessible than it is today and informal social events were often held at the executive mansion. In this photo, a group is picnicking on the White House grounds with the Treasury Department building visible in the background. Unlike today, this area has the look of a forest with many large trees. Before the McMillan Commission's redesign of the Mall in 1902 the area was a series of meandering paths, gardens, and dense trees.

Creator

Uriah Hunt Painter (photographer)

Date

1889

Source

Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. View Original.

Coverage

1860-1889

Theme

environment

everyday life

ghost mall