Ghosts of DC The lost and untold history of Washington, D.C.

Never Built: Proposed University on the National Mall in 1816

Tom Dec 23, 2013 GoDCers Love Maps, Lost History 2 Comments

So this obviously never happened, but it’s a fascinating proposal for the National Mall, done in 1816. Can you imagine a university sitting where the Lincoln Memorial does today?

Plan of the west end of the public appropriation in the city of Washington, called the Mall : as proposed to be arranged for the site of the university / to the Committee of the H. of R. of Congress, BHLatrobe, Surveyor of the City of Washington, Jan'y 1816. — Plan of the west end of the public appropriation in the city of Washington, called the Mall : as proposed to be arranged for the site of the university / to the Committee of the H. of R. of Congress, BHLatrobe, Surveyor of the City of Washington, Jan’y 1816.

Source: Library of Congress

Tags 1810s Benjamin Latrobe National Mall

Here is today's recommendation for you. We think you'll like it!