Title: The President's Reception

Description: This engraving shows a formal reception held by President Pierce in the East Room. The couple in the middle is being introduced to the President who stands to the left. Like Andrew Jackson, Pierce opened the White House to the public. Since the White House always had visitors, President Pierce hired Thomas O’Neil, who rescued him when he was wounded in the Mexican War, to protect him. O’Neil was the first full-time presidential bodyguard.

Date: 1853

Creator: Unknown

Credit: The White House