Title

George Washington

Creator

George Washington

Description

Authorized by The Residence Act of 1790 to select a site along the Potomac to be the home of the new national government, President George Washington was heavily involved in the planning and development of the new federal city. He chose the area which is now Washington, DC, as the site, insisting that its southern boundary include the city of Alexandria, which was a part of the District of Columbia until 1846. In 1791, he appointed Pierre L'Enfant to create a plan for laying out the streets and major buildings. Although L'Enfant technically answered to the Commissioners for the Territory, he sent all of his reports to President Washington.

Source

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. View original image.

Coverage

Pre-1800s

birthday

02/22/1732

Birthplace

Westmoreland County, Virginia

Death Date

12/14/1799

Occupation

Politician

Surveyor

Military

Biographical Text

George Washington was Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Following the ratification of the Constitution, he served as the first President of the United States. He died in 1799, just before the federal government relocated to the capital city which bears his name. Learn more about Washington at the website of his estate, Mount Vernon.