Much more than a piece of furniture, the president’s Resolute Desk has echoed through history
Summary
The Resolute Desk is a famous White House desk made from wood taken from a British ship called the HMS Resolute. It has been used by U.S. presidents for nearly 150 years, witnessing many important moments in American history. The desk symbolizes the close friendship between the United States and Britain.Key Facts
- The Resolute Desk is made from timbers of the British naval ship HMS Resolute.
- The HMS Resolute was stuck in Arctic ice in the 1850s and abandoned, then found by an American ship.
- The U.S. repaired and returned the HMS Resolute to Queen Victoria, who had the timbers made into furniture.
- The desk was given to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880.
- It was mostly kept out of view until First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy moved it to the Oval Office in 1961.
- Since President Jimmy Carter, most presidents have used the desk in the Oval Office except President George H.W. Bush.
- Presidents often leave a letter for their successor on Inauguration Day at this desk.
- The desk represents both the U.S. presidency and the long-standing friendship between the U.S. and Britain.
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