10 Things You didn’t know about Queen Victoria
Born as Princess Alexandrina Victoria on May 24, 1819, Queen Victoria was a British monarch who ruled from 1837 to 1901. At the height of her reign, Victoria was undoubtedly...
Tagged: The Resolute Desk
The Resolute Desk, an emblem of the U.S. presidency and an artifact of international goodwill, has a storied history that links the Oval Office with a British naval expedition and a cherished 19th-century ship.
Below, WHE delves into the history and major facts surrounding this important piece of furniture in our nation’s history:
History of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office of the White House
The tale of the Resolute Desk begins with the HMS Resolute, a British ship that was part of an 1852 expedition searching for the lost Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin. In 1854, the Resolute was abandoned in the Arctic ice. However, in a twist of fate, an American whaling vessel discovered the ship drifting in the sea in 1855. The U.S. government purchased the ship, refurbished it, and as a goodwill gesture, returned it to Queen Victoria and the British people in 1856.
When the HMS Resolute was finally retired and broken up in 1879, Queen Victoria commissioned a desk to be made from its timbers. This desk, known as the Resolute Desk, was gifted to U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880 as a symbol of friendship and gratitude between the two nations.
Major Facts
- Design and Craftsmanship: The desk is a masterful work of Victorian craftsmanship. It is adorned with ornate carvings, including representations of the ship’s shields and the American eagle. A central door, originally featuring the British Royal coat of arms, conceals a series of compartments.
- Presidential Use: Over the years, the Resolute Desk has been used by several U.S. presidents. While John F. Kennedy is often associated with it due to iconic photos of his children playing beneath it, other presidents, including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, have chosen it as their Oval Office desk.
- Modifications: President Franklin D. Roosevelt requested a front panel to hide his leg braces, though he passed away before its installation. This hinged panel, which features the U.S. Presidential Seal, remains a part of the desk today.
- Cultural Significance: The desk has not only been a fixture of political life but has also permeated pop culture. It’s been featured in films, such as “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”, underscoring its iconic status.
- Locations: While the Resolute Desk is most associated with the Oval Office, it hasn’t always resided there. It has spent time in various locations within the White House, including the Broadcast Room and the private residence.
