On September 18, 1793, the first cornerstone of what would become Washington DC was placed on the ground. This marked the beginning of the construction of the capital and the US Congress. To celebrate this occasion, George Washington would write his Capitol Letter, celebrating this event. Almost two and a half centuries later, that same building still stands in a bustling capital where the heart of US democracy happens.
Celebrating the Founding of Washington DC with the Capitol Letter
With the birth of the United States, talks soon began of creating a new capital to match the new country. This would move the capital from New York City to a new place. The reason behind this was to avoid favoritism between states and to appease parties from both the North and South. They decided to build along the Potomac River as per the Compromise of 1790 on neutral ground not owned by any state.
The plans for this capital began in 1791 when George Washington appointed the French engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant to construct the layout. He envisioned a massive capital with broad streets and strategically placed government buildings. While it would have looked beautiful, it caused tensions between local landowners and laborers, eventually leading to Pierre’s resignation.
Despite that, George would remain heavily invested in the progress, making it unsurprising that he created the Capitol letter. He would correspond closely with Pierre, reviewing his designs, providing suggestions, and expressing his thoughts through letters. Among these was the famous Capitol Letter where he shared his ideas with the design for it. Two years into the construction in 1793, they would begin work for one of the most important buildings in the capital, the Capitol Building as they would lay down the cornerstones for this project.
This would transform Washington DC, making it feel like a true capital instead of just another city by placing the seat of government there. The Capitol Building and the city would soon symbolize American democracy.
An excerpt from the Capitol Letter can be seen here.
“The plan of the city, as proposed by you, has been examined and approved. I must now call upon you for your exertions to carry it into effect with as much dispatch as possible, so that it may be laid out during the present season.”
-George Washington, Former US president.
Even a decade later, spirits were still high from the revolution as the enthusiasm and excitement of George Washington here could also be seen in his previous letter talking about the Declaration of Independence.
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