American Insurrections And Rebellions You ve Never Heard Of Shutterstock
By Thomas A Brown/Jan. 19, 2021 3:49 pm EDT
In the first week of 2021, a riot in Washington, D.C., violently erupted into the capitol building. The world recoiled as what many called an insurrection or coup d etat defiled one of the most hallowed buildings in the country, and the people s representatives fled and hid for safety. Of the many adjectives one could use to describe what happened that day (atrocious, treasonous, appalling, moronic, there are many more) however, unprecedented shouldn t really be one of them.
Not only are the streets of D.C. and halls of Congress not unused to violence, American history is replete with violent uprisings, bloody coups, and revolutionary attempts. In 1983, leftist revolutionaries exploded bombs at military bases as well as the United States Senate.
Lebrón being arrested after the 1954 attack she led at the U.S. Capitol.
The group s self-proclaimed leader, Lolita Lebrón, was prepared to die for Puerto Rico s independence. She survived, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
The Jan. 6 siege was a rare moment when violent actors made their way into the U.S. Capitol. But it wasn t the only time in modern American history that has happened.
On March 1, 1954, four armed members of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, led by Lolita Lebrón, stormed the Capitol. Five people were injured; no one died. Their goal? Freedom for Puerto Rico.
The White House’s Origins
Before we explore the White House’s most prominent interiors, let’s explore the famed home’s history.
The White House was designed by Irish architect James Hoban in the Neoclassical style of architecture and built over the course of eight years (from 1792 to 1800). The edifice itself is made of Aquia Creek sandstone that was painted white because of the risk posed by the permeability of the stone, which could cause cracking in colder months.
Before the current White House, the President’s House in Philadelphia served as a home to two presidents: George Washington and John Adams. The construction of the White House was completed just a few months before Adams’s presidency ended, so he was able to move into the People’s House before his term concluded.
The Washington PostGetty Images
This story was first published on 1/15/2021; it has been updated to reflect new information.
It’s no secret that the
White House is the primary residence of the President of the United States, but there is another presidential home (albeit one that is not used by presidents as often) that should be on both design and history aficionados’ radars: the President’s Guest House, also known as Blair House. Although it’s not as well known as the People’s House, the President’s Guest House spares no shortage of fascinating history including a presidential assassination attempt and interiors designed by legendary decorators
The Most Impressive and Fascinating White House Interiors Throughout History Mary Elizabeth Andriotis
On January 20th, President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated at the United States Capitol. This of course means that after the ceremony, Biden will become the new resident of the most famous house in the country: The White House. While we wait to find out who the new First couple will tap as their White House interior decorator,
House Beautiful takes a look back at some of the most impressive White House interiors throughout history, including the famed Sister Parish designs of the Kennedy era and Michael S. Smith’s vision for the Obamas (which can be seen in the designer’s recently released book,