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Fall Foliage at the White House

Gallery

  • South Portico in Autumn

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    Throughout the evolution of Washington, D.C., the White House Grounds have provided a natural repose to the surrounding urban growth of the capital city.

    White House Historical Association
  • Aerial View of the White House on a Fall Day

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    President’s Park is administered by the National Park Service and includes land open to the public surrounding the Ellipse south of the White House and encapsulating historic Lafayette Park to the north.

    Library of Congress
  • 1996 White House Fall Garden Tour Program

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    Inside the brochure to the 1996 Fall White House Gardens and Grounds Tour, First Lady Hillary Clinton explained the significance of the foliage surrounding the White House Grounds, writing to visitors, “During the past year, the lawns and gardens of the White House have been the scene of both historical events and informal entertainment of friends and family. At every gathering, guests sense the loving care that has been given to this beautiful house and grounds by all of the First Families who have lived here.”

    Library of Congress
  • Black Gum Tree on Southwest Grounds

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    This black gum tree, native to the Eastern seaboard, lies on the southwest grounds of the White House.

    White House Historical Association
  • American Elm near the West Entrance to the White House

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    President Rutherford B. Hayes planted this American elm tree in March 1878 near the west entrance of the north driveway leading to the White House. Although in black and white, the light foliage on the trees and the leaves on the ground and along the driveway suggests a fall date for the photograph.

    Library of Congress
  • American Elm at the Southeast Gate

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    An American elm tree, located at the Southeast Gate of the White House, begins to shed its leaves.

    White House Historical Association
  • Sugar Maple on South Drive

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    This sugar maple graces the south driveway of the White House. The Ellipse was completed in 1880 and was influenced Andrew Jackson Downing’s landscape plans designed thirty years before.

    White House Historical Association
  • White House Rose Garden in the Fall

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    Installed in the spring of 1962, the White House Rose Garden serves as both a family garden, where the First Family enjoys time together, and as an extension of the Oval Office, where the president hosts formal ceremonies.

    George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

About this Gallery

Throughout the history of the White House and the grounds surrounding it, visitors have commented on the trees and foliage that continually add to the beauty of the grounds. Public enjoyment of the grounds around the White House expands the knowledge and appreciation of the White House beyond the residence itself. Although security has increased around the White House Grounds, the public can still enjoy the seasonal foliage of the White House along President’s Park, and through bi-annual spring and fall White House gardens and grounds tours, begun by First Lady Patricia Nixon in 1973.

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