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An Amazing Old Photograph of the White House Taken by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846

Discover an amazing old photograph of the White House taken by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846. It was taken during the winter, when James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States. Look closely and you'll notice the top floor and Truman balcony are not there!
Alligators in their enclosure in the original Animal House, also known as the Carnivora House, which opened in 1892 and was the first permanent building at the National Zoological Park. The alligators are housed in the "temporary" wooden wing of the structure (Smithsonian)
Mayor Marion Barry and his wife Effi
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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.

White House daguerreotype by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846 (Library of Congress)
White House daguerreotype by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846 (Library of Congress)
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