Shaw in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Planning the Federal City
The Residence Act of 1790 established a 10-mile square along the Potomac River as the permanent seat of the United States government. President George Washington was authorized to select the site and appoint a commission to oversee the planning and property acquisition for the new capital. To assist them, Washington chose Andrew Ellicott to survey the federal territory's boundaries and French military engineer, Pierre Charles L'Enfant, to plat the city. With Ellicott's recommendation, Benjamin Banneker, a local astronomer and mathematician, was appointed to join the survey team.
"The first great locust year that I can remember was 1749… Again in the year 1766, which is seventeen years after… Again in the year 1783… So that if I may venture so to express it, their periodical return is seventeen years, but they, like the Comets, make but a short stay with us…"
—Banneker's Manuscript Journal, 1790-1802
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Animals • Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Squares 336, 337 & 364 (here, next to this marker); Benjamin Banneker - A Man of Science (a few steps from this marker); The City & The Stars (a few steps from this marker); The Almanac of 1792 / The Naming of a Neighborhood (a few steps from this marker); The Evolution of a Neighborhood / Shaw, U Street, and Black Culture (within shouting distance of this marker); Shaw Junior High School (within shouting distance of this marker); 10th Street Gateway (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin Banneker Academic High School (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
![Planning the Federal City Marker [Reverse] image. Click for full size.](Photos6/692/Photo692620.jpg?1125202231800PM "Planning the Federal City Marker [Reverse]. Click for full size.")
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 24, 2022
2. Planning the Federal City Marker [Reverse]
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 24, 2022
3. Markers on the grounds of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School from the north
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 24, 2022
4. Markers on the grounds of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School from the south
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 25, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
