President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama prepare to greet President Felipe Calderón of Mexico and his wife, Mrs. Margarita Zavala, as their limousine approaches the South Portico entrance of the White House
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama prepare to greet President Felipe Calderón of Mexico and his wife, Mrs. Margarita Zavala, as their limousine approaches the South Portico entrance of the White House
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The South Portico


The South Portico was constructed by James Hoban in 1824 during the presidency of James Monroe. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman added the Truman Balcony to the second floor, a private porch enjoyed by First Families ever since.