James Hoban, Architect of the White House, Born at Desart, County Kilkenny, immigrated to Philadelphia in 1785. In July 1792, Hoban was named winner of the design competition for the White House. His design was said to be influenced by the upper floors of Leinster House, in Dublin, seat of the Irish parliament. Construction of the White House began with the laying of the cornerstone on October 13, 1792. It seems that no one has been able to locate the cornerstone of the White House and numerous conspiracy theories abound with most involving ‘The Freemasons’ of which James Hoban was a member. Although not yet completed, the White House was ready for occupancy on or circa November 1, 1800.
Here is a video of Brad Meltzer’s theories on the missing cornerstone http://www.history.com/shows/brad-meltzers-decoded/videos/brad-melt... What do you think?