Transcriber’s Notes Text printed in italics and small capitals in the source document have been transcribed _between underscores_ and as ALL CAPITALS respectively. Superscript text is indicated by ^{text}. Texts |between vertical bars| was illegible in the source document, and is a best-guess interpretation. More Transcriber’s Notes may be found at the end of this text. [Illustration: _Courtesy of Fairchild Aerial Surveys (Inc.)._ THE HEART OF THE NATION’S CAPITAL] 75TH CONGRESS, 3D SESSION · SENATE DOCUMENT NO. 178 A MANUAL ON THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF WASHINGTON _By_ H. PAUL CAEMMERER, Ph. D. “The City of Washington--the central star of the constellation which enlightens the whole world.” _General Lafayette, as Guest of the Nation, October 12, 1824._ UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 1939 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 280 Submitted by Mr. HAYDEN IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, _April 20 (calendar day, May 18), 1938._ _Resolved_, That the manuscript entitled “A Manual of the Plan of Washington,” prepared by H. P. Caemmerer, be printed in such style and manner as may be directed by the Joint Committee on Printing, as a Senate Document. Attest: EDWIN A. HALSEY, _Secretary_. PREFACE This Manual on the Origin and Development of Washington is published for the use of students, particularly in high schools, desiring to make a study of the National Capital a part of their course in civics. The 25 chapters composing the book are of such interest and importance that an hour a week may profitably be devoted to each, but the chapters on public buildings and monuments require each two or three periods for effective presentation. In this manner the Manual may serve as a textbook for a year’s work; it will also be found helpful by the general reader interested in Washington. The Manual deals historically with the founding and development of the National Capital. Beginning with the twentieth century we find a new impetus given to the development of the city by the McMillan Park Commission of 1901. Its work has been carried forward by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Park and Planning Commission, in cooperation with the Government of the District of Columbia, including the Zoning Commission; also, of course, in cooperation with the President of the United States, officials of the Government, and the Congress of the United States, which by virtue of the Federal Constitution exercises “exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever” over the District of Columbia. It should be kept in mind that in the study of the National Capital we are studying the seat of government of the greatest nation in the world, a city that was laid on a broad, firm foundation, and although neglected for decades during the last century, the twentieth century has seen Washington transformed into a city in keeping with the dignity, power, and wealth of this great Nation.