George Washington's final battle : the epic struggle to build a capital city and a nation / Robert P. Watson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Watson, Robert P., 1962- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Washington, George, 1732-1799.

Washington, George.

City planning--Washington (D.C.)--History--18th century.

City planning.

History.

Washington (D.C.)--History--18th century.

Washington (D.C.).

United States--Capital and capitol--History.

United States.

Capitals (Cities).

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

xxvii, 361 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color), map ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : Georgetown University Press, [2020]

Summary:

"At the end of America's Revolutionary War, the new nation's government was weak and almost fatally divided by bitter disputes. Inherent in the divides was disagreement about where to place the nation's seat of government. It is little remembered that George Washington took the lead on settling this question that moved the capital from New York, to Philadelphia, and finally to the city that bears his name. Robert Watson has written an engaging history of Washington's underappreciated political acumen and the fascinating story behind the creation of Washington, DC. Few know how personally involved Washington was in even the smallest details of planning DC. He quietly worked behind the scenes to push for a Potomac River locations. He oversaw surveying, negotiated land deals, raised funds, selected the architect, chose the plan, and changed the designs. Washington visited the construction sites for the rest of his life, even after leaving the presidency in 1797, making the federal city itself his last great contribution to public life. He died less than a year before President Adams moved into the White House in 1800. Washington's vision, influence, and feel for political compromise made it possible to build a permanent capital and to begin forming a sense of nationhood"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: pt. I George Washington's Early Life and American Vision

1. Surveying a Future

2. Western Adventures

3. The Dispensations of Providence

4. Potomac Fever

5. Cincinnatus

pt. II The Question of a Capital

6. Swords in Their Hands

7. Mutiny!

8. The Day the War Ended

9. A Singular Destiny

10. Fixing the Seat of Government

11. Political Architecture

pt. III The Great Debate

12. Convention

13. Ten Miles Square

14. An Inauguration

15. New York City

16. The Great Debate

17. The (Second) Most Famous Dinner in History

pt. IV Conflict and Compromise

18. The Grand Compromise

19. Philadelphia

20. The Residence Act of 1790

21. The City of Washington

22. Financing the Capital

pt. V Building the Capital

23. The Architect

24. Intrigues and Injuries

25. A Design Contest

26. Building the President's House

27. A House Divided

pt. VI Legacy

28. Washington (Never) Slept Here

29. A Pedestal Waiting for a Monument

30. Temple of Liberty

31. The Father of His Country

32. `Tis Well.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Watson, Robert P., 1962- George Washington's final battle

ISBN:

9781626167841

1626167842

OCLC:

1111641164

Publisher Number:

40030055314