Existing comment:
George Washington
On January 24, 1791, less than two years after George Washington's inauguration as the first President, he announced his selection of a diamond-shaped tract of land at the Potomac and Eastern Branch Rivers as the site for the new seat of government for the United States. The announcement settled a multi-year debate over where the government should meet, with Washington personally choosing the spot and appointing Peter C. L'Enfant to design the new city. |