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Posted In Thomas Jefferson

View of Washington from Georgetown in 1801
A Foreigner's Impressions of Washington in 1799
What did the new capital look like in 1799? This is an account John Davis, an Englishman who spent four years in the late 18th century traveling up and down the east coast of the new country.
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Why Is It Named Meridian Hill?
Pierre L'Enfant had originally planned the City of Washington around a right triangle, with the eastern portion at the Capitol, the northern portion at the White House and the 90 degree angle close to where the Washington Monument sits today. Thomas Jefferson marked this spot in 1793 with a wooden post, which was replaced in 1804 with the Jefferson Pier.
1791 L'Enfant Plan of the new city
Why Is There No J Street in Washington, DC?
In the English alphabet, the letter J looked too much like the letter I, so Pierre L'Enfant omitted J street in DC.
Georgetown view in 1801
John Adams Makes Washington, D.C. Official Capital
Why is Washington, DC the capital? John Adams rode from Philadelphia to DC over an entire week. Read the story of his full journey.
David Burnes' cottage in 1894 prior to razing (PGCist on Flickr)
Washington is Composed of Land from 19 Original Owners
19 original landowners were negotiated with, directly by George Washington in March, 1791. He met them during the day and in the evening, closed the deal with them at Suter's Tavern in Georgetown.
President's Palace design by John Collins
The Story of How The White House Got Its Name
Did you know the White House was once known as the President's Palace? Read on to learn the history of the White House and the story of the man who almost designed it - John Collins.
Robert Brent
Who Was the First Mayor of Washington?
Who was the first mayor of Washington? It wasn't Walter Washington or Marion Barry. Have you hear of Robert Brent? He was Thomas Jefferson's friend.
Constitution Avenue
Why Is It Named Constitution Avenue?
Do you know why it's named Constitution Avenue? There's an interesting story behind it which includes the state of Wisconsin.

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Ghosts of DC stories.