James Hoban
- Born:
- c. 1755 or 1762, Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland
- Died:
- December 8, 1831, Washington, D.C., United States
- Nationality:
- Irish-American
- Profession(s):
- Architect
Early Life and Education
- Hoban studied architecture at the Dublin Society's Drawing School.
- He worked as a carpenter and wheelwright before emigrating to the United States.
Career and Major Achievements
- After emigrating to the United States, Hoban initially worked as a builder in Philadelphia.
- He moved to South Carolina, where he designed several public buildings.
- Won the competition to design the White House in 1792.
- Supervised the construction of the White House, completed in 1801.
- Oversaw the rebuilding of the White House after it was burned by the British in 1814.
- Served as a superintendent of public buildings in Washington, D.C.
Notable Works
- South Carolina State House (Charleston, South Carolina) - original design, later replaced.
- The White House (Washington, D.C.) - The most significant contribution of James Hoban was the White House design. He designed the original building and supervised its reconstruction after the War of 1812.
- Several private residences and public buildings in Washington, D.C.
Legacy and Impact
James Hoban's enduring legacy lies in his contribution to American architecture, most notably as the architect of the White House. His design shaped one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in the world.