This is an amazing old photograph of the White House taken by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846. The 11th President of the United States , James K. Polk, was the building’s occupant, having succeeded President John Tyler just the year prior. It’s a great one to stare at and study.

It appears to be taken some time during the winter, as all the leaves are off the trees. You will also notice that the current top floor of the White House and the Truman Balcony are not there.