James Hoban (1758-1831)
James Hoban, born 1758 in Desart, near Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland, was an Irish architect, best known for designing the White House in Washington, D.C. Hoban was raised on the estate of the Earl of Desart at Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny where he learned carpentry skills. He studied architecture under Thomas Ivory at the Royal Dublin Society.
Following the American Revolutionary War, Hoban emigrated to the United States, and established himself as an architect in Philadelphia. Later Hoban went to South Carolina in, where he designed different buildings including the South Carolina statehouse in Columbia.
In 1792, Hoban won the competition to design the presidential mansion, later known as the The White House. Hoban became also one of the supervising architects who worked on the Capitol, carrying out the design of Dr. William Thornton.
Hoban lived the rest of his life in Washington, D.C., where he worked on other public buildings and government projects, including roads and bridges. In 1802, the city of Washington D.C. was officially incorporated and Hoban was elected as a member of the first City Council. Hoban died in Washington, D.C. in1831.
Important Buildings:
The White House, Washington D.C.
Historic CourthouseCharleston
Savages Green Theatre; Charleston
State House in Columbia
first U.S. Treasury building
Rossenarra House, Kilmoganny, Ireland
