The White House Easter Egg Roll | History

Summary

The White House Easter Egg Roll is a long-standing tradition that dates back over 100 years. Initially, children raced Easter eggs on the grounds of the US Capitol in the 1870s. However, after the Capitol’s landscaping was damaged, President Grant banned the event on federal land. In 1878, President Hayes invited egg rollers to the White House for the first official Easter Egg Roll, and the tradition has continued ever since, despite the occasional damage to the lawn.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Easter Egg Roll is a long-standing White House tradition that has been celebrated for over 100 years.
• 😀 The tradition of racing Easter eggs by children in Washington, DC, began in the 1870s on the grounds of the US Capitol.
• 😀 As the crowds grew, the landscaping of the Capitol suffered, prompting President Grant to ban Easter celebrations on federal land.
• 😀 In 1878, President Hayes welcomed a group of children who were eager to roll eggs, inviting them to the White House instead of the Capitol grounds.
• 😀 The first official Easter Egg Roll was held on the White House lawn in 1878.
• 😀 Since then, presidents have continued the tradition of the Easter Egg Roll, despite its occasional damage to the White House lawn.
• 😀 The Easter Egg Roll became an annual event, with presidents opening the White House grounds for the occasion.
• 😀 The event has been popular among children and families as a fun and festive way to celebrate Easter.
• 😀 Although the tradition started as an informal request by children, it quickly became a cherished event on the White House calendar.
• 😀 The Easter Egg Roll remains a significant and joyful part of US presidential history, blending family fun with a rich historical background.

Q & A

What is the Easter Egg Roll?

The Easter Egg Roll is a White House tradition that involves children racing Easter eggs on the White House lawn, a practice that has been held for over 100 years.

When did the Easter Egg Roll tradition start?

The tradition of racing Easter eggs began in the 1870s with children in Washington, DC, racing on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

Why was the use of the U.S. Capitol grounds banned for the Easter Egg Roll?

The Capitol grounds were damaged due to large crowds of children racing Easter eggs, which led President Grant to ban the use of federal land for Easter celebrations.

How did the White House become the host for the Easter Egg Roll?

In 1878, President Hayes invited a group of eager egg rollers to the White House after they requested to use the Capitol grounds for the Easter Egg Roll. This led to the first official Easter Egg Roll at the White House.

What was President Hayes' role in the Easter Egg Roll tradition?

President Hayes played a key role by allowing the Easter Egg Roll to take place on the White House lawn, making it the first official event of its kind.

What was the outcome of the Capitol grounds being used for Easter Egg Rolls?

The growing crowds of children racing eggs caused damage to the Capitol’s landscaping, leading to the ban of the practice on federal land by President Grant.

How long has the Easter Egg Roll been a tradition?

The Easter Egg Roll has been a tradition for over 100 years, dating back to its beginning in the 1870s.

What happened to the Capitol grounds after the ban on Easter Egg Rolls?

After the ban, the Capitol grounds were no longer used for Easter Egg Rolls, and the event was moved to the White House starting in 1878.

What is the significance of the Easter Egg Roll in American history?

The Easter Egg Roll is a long-standing White House tradition that has become an iconic symbol of the Easter holiday, with over a century of history involving U.S. presidents and children participating in the event.

Did the Easter Egg Roll always take place on the White House lawn?

No, the Easter Egg Roll originally took place on the U.S. Capitol grounds before being moved to the White House lawn in 1878.