The top 15 secrets of the White House

The White House, situated at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C, serves as the official home and office of the President of the United States. Its rich history is marked by pivotal events and decisions that have impacted the nation. Despite being shrouded in secrecy, with underground tunnels, hidden chambers, ghost sightings, and classified operations, the White House harbors numerous secrets that are not widely known. I will delve into 15 such secrets.

The secret bunker beneath the White House, also known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC). Located in the basement of the East Wing, the bunker was initially built as a bomb shelter during World War II. Over time, it underwent an expansion and renovation, transforming into a safe haven from nuclear attacks. The bunker is equipped with everything that the President and his staff would require to survive a nuclear attack, including an air filtration system, food, water, medical supplies, and cutting-edge communication systems for connectivity with the outside world. It also has an independent water and power supply, thereby eliminating the need to rely on external sources. Only people directly responsible for the national security of the United States, such as the President, Vice President, government officials, and high-ranking military personnel, are allowed access to the bunker. It was utilized during the September 11th terrorist attacks, with the President and his advisors seeking refuge there. Due to its swift accessibility and equipped facilities, the bunker enables the country's leaders to remain safe and make crucial decisions during times of crisis. To prevent important individuals from making hasty or poor decisions due to hunger, it is crucial to keep them properly hydrated.

The White House is home to some secrets that are heavily guarded and restricted. Among these secrets are the alleged secret tunnels, which were supposedly built during World War II to provide a safe route for the President in case of emergency. While the actual length and number of tunnels remain unknown, it is widely believed that they connect various parts of the White House, as well as neighboring government buildings. The tunnels are said to be equipped with advanced security systems and are accessible only to authorized personnel.

Another lesser-known secret of the White House is its private movie theater, which was originally constructed in 1942 and later renovated to include modern amenities. The theater can seat up to 40 people and boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and adjustable screen. It offers a wide selection of films, including both classic and newly released titles. It is believed that the President and his family occasionally use the theater to unwind and spend quality time together, and may even invite friends to join them. The theater reportedly has its own dedicated ushers and concessions stand, providing moviegoers with the full theater experience. It is rumored that during the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy and his staff sought solace in the theater while enjoying some buttery popcorn.

The White House employs food testers to ensure the safety and quality of the food served to the President and other high-level officials. These testers are trained to detect potential contaminants or allergens in the food and provide feedback on its taste, texture, and presentation. As members of the kitchen staff, they must maintain strict confidentiality and sign non-disclosure agreements. Their role is vital in upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in the White House kitchen.

The White House has a wine cellar in its basement, which stores a wide variety of wines for special occasions and events. The cellar's collection is curated by the White House's Chief Sommelier, with input from the first family. The cellar has a rich tradition dating back to President Franklin Roosevelt, who was known for being an avid wine collector. Although the existence of the cellar is not a secret, its contents remain confidential. The cellar is a symbol of White House hospitality and is not open to the public.

The White House is considered the most heavily guarded house in the United States and is equipped with a highly advanced security system. While some of its security features are well-known, others, such as the rooftop snipers, remain a secret. These snipers are members of the United States Secret Service counter sniper team and are responsible for protecting the White House and other high-level government buildings and events. They are some of the best-trained snipers in the United States and are equipped with high-powered rifles. Positioned on the White House roof and other nearby buildings, they have an all-encompassing view of the entire perimeter of the house. The White House also has two pools, one of which was opened in 1933 for Franklin Roosevelt's therapy purposes and another that was installed in 1975 by President Gerald Ford. Access to the functioning pool is highly restricted and is only allowed for the president, their family, and select high-ranking officials. Although it has seen some interesting interactions over the years, such as Nixon meeting with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in the pool to discuss Arms Control negotiations and Michelle Obama challenging talk show host Ellen DeGeneres to a push-up contest, it remains a lesser-known area of the White House.

The White House's basement contains a secret bowling alley installed by President Harry Truman in 1947. It is still operational today with two lanes, an automatic pinsetter, and electronic scoring systems. The bowling alley is decorated with presidential seals and has a red, white, and blue color scheme. The president, his family, and White House staff members use it primarily for fun, but it has seen some memorable moments, such as President Nixon bowling a perfect game and the George H.W. Bush administration used it as a rehearsal space for a speech about the start of the Gulf War. The White House gym, located in the basement, is equipped with various training machines, a tennis court, a basketball court, and a yoga space. Its use is reserved for the president, his family, and selected staff and Secret Service agents. The gym is staffed with personal trainers and fitness professionals who develop personalized exercise plans for the president and his entourage. Its existence promotes health and well-being for all White House staff who are authorized to use it.

The White House boasts a rooftop garden, also known as the White House Kitchen Garden, which showcases a variety of organic vegetables. As the name suggests, it proudly sits atop the building and was established by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009 as part of her "Let's Move" initiative to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The garden spans approximately 1100 square feet and provides fresh produce for both White House meals and local organizations. The garden's eco-friendly practices include composting, the use of organic particles for healthy soil, and harvesting rainwater for irrigation.

The White House has around 146 windows, each known for its unique design and shape, such as the Oval Office's oval windows and the Blue Room's round windows. Despite serving their primary function of offering a view, these windows never open for security reasons. They are bulletproof and shatterproof, making them some of the strongest windows ever built. First Lady Michelle Obama confirmed that the windows cannot be opened during an interview with Stephen Colbert. Although living in the White House has its perks, like a private gym and attentive staff, the high security means residents cannot enjoy the simple pleasure of opening a window on a fresh spring day.

It is ironic that the White House, an iconic symbol of freedom and liberty, was built by slaves. Construction began in 1792, and many of the workers were enslaved peoples brought by their owners. They endured harsh working conditions and received little to no pay, yet their contributions were integral to the White House's construction. Recognizing the role of enslaved labor in the building of the White House paints a more accurate and inclusive picture of U.S. history. In recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge this fact, emphasizing the contributions of enslaved labor to this famous American landmark.

The White House has an in-house medical unit, which includes a dental clinic that provides dental services to the President, Vice President, their families, and other high-level officials. The clinic is staffed with licensed dental professionals and is just one part of the White House medical unit, which also includes physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. The specifics of the clinic are not publicly disclosed, but it is assumed to have state-of-the-art equipment. The White House also has a secure conference room called The Situation Room, located in the basement of The West Wing. Equipped with advanced technology, it is used for high-level meetings and discussions related to national security and crisis management. The room has its own dedicated staff of highly trained military and intelligence personnel, and only the President, Vice President, National Security Council members, and high-ranking military and intelligence officials are granted access. The Situation Room has played a critical role in pivotal decisions throughout American history and continues to be an important component of national security infrastructure.

The final item on this list is sure to excite paranormal enthusiasts - ghosts! There are reports and legends of paranormal sightings throughout the White House, with most of the sightings occurring in the Lincoln bedroom. Dolly Madison, the wife of President James Madison, is said to haunt the Rose Garden, while Abigail Adams, the wife of President John Adams, is said to appear in the East room carrying a laundry basket. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts, these legends add a fascinating and mysterious element to the White House's rich history and lore.