Washington Secures Washington - The Tactics Used to Purchase America's Capital
The process of purchasing the land which became Washington, DC was not as cut and dry as it might appear on the surface.
The property needed to be bought without salesmen driving up the price as an effort to take advantage of the government.
Additionally, all of the land needed to be secured…by force if necessary.
Selecting The Location
When the First United States Congress passed the Residency Act, President George Washington was given tremendous power when selecting and purchasing the property on which the National Capital would be constructed.
Washington worked with Thomas Jefferson in selecting the appropriate land on the Potomac River and chose the modern location, just south of Georgetown.
But, before the building could begin, the land needed to be purchased.
Cost Control
Many property owners along the Potomac knew that having a new city pop up along their territory could be enormously profitable.
Therefore, Washington received several offers of free land from these suitors.
However, there was also a fear that some landholders would charge the government astronomical prices if they knew their property was to be part of the center of the new nation.
Secret Dealings
In a letter to Benjamin Stoddert and William Deakins (two of the men hired to purchase the land), Washington instructed them to purchase the land in a manner, “which may not excite suspicions of their being on behalf of the public.”
He also suggested that they hire an agent to buy the properties, so as not to give away their intentions.
Additionally, the President asked that they keep the prices as low as possible and not exceed 25 pounds per acre.
Eminent Domain
In this same letter, dated February 17, 1791, Washington displays the extreme authority he was willing to use in order to set the new Capital where he wanted it.
George indicated that the State of Maryland gave permission to confiscate land, “without the consent of the owners,” if they refused to sell.
Although these people would be compensated for their property, this is still an interesting use of force by a young government which was full of men who so recently fought a Revolutionary War to get rid of another government who used too much power.
This early use of eminent domain demonstrates the hope of many Federalists that they could prove to the world they should be taken seriously, and no one would stand in their way.
If you enjoyed this articles, you will probably like these about it’s main architect, Pierre Charles L’Enfant:
Before the Capital: L’Enfant at War
Founding Washington - Pierre Charles L’Enfant Outlines the Capital
The creation of Washington, DC was a fascinating process.
‘The Making of the American Capital’ covers this story in great detail.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
