The Ellipse, is located just south of
the White House fence. In 1791, the first plan for the park
was drawn up by Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Work on the Ellipse
was began by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1867. In 1879 it was
landscaped in 1879, and was lit with electric lamps in 1894.
Today sporting events as well as other public gatherings are
held on the Ellipse. On Christmas Eve, 1923,
President Calvin Coolidge began the tradition of lighting a
"National Christmas Tree." The Ellipse Visitor Pavilion which
opened for visitors in May 1994 is used to distribute free
tickets for special events at the White House such as the Easter Egg
Roll and Fall and Spring Garden Tours. There also is an information,
concession area, restrooms, telephones, water fountains, and First
Aid area, all accessible.
The Ellipse, is located just south of
the White House fence. In 1791, the first plan for the park
was drawn up by Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Work on the Ellipse
was began by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1867. In 1879 it was
landscaped in 1879, and was lit with electric lamps in 1894.
Today sporting events as well as other public gatherings are
held on the Ellipse. On Christmas Eve, 1923,
President Calvin Coolidge began the tradition of lighting a
"National Christmas Tree." The Ellipse Visitor Pavilion which
opened for visitors in May 1994 is used to distribute free
tickets for special events at the White House such as the Easter Egg
Roll and Fall and Spring Garden Tours. There also is an information,
concession area, restrooms, telephones, water fountains, and First
Aid area, all accessible.
