Washington D.C.: Views of the Past & Present

The first in the "Views of Past and Present" series of books by George Ross Jezek not set in California, the photographer discovered, when he explored the capital, that Washington D.C. has a history of constant change.

When George Washington selected the site for the new capital, included in the Constitution, it was all in private hands. Some were old family lands; others were new acquisitions, purchased in anticipation of the government's move to the new capital in 1800, mandated by Congress.

Washington hired Peter Charles L'Enfant, who laid out a city much larger than many envisioned. Farms turned into city squares. Speculators built townhouses and opened businesses. The first representatives of what became a large diplomatic community also arrived in the fledgling capital.

Its earliest settlements, developed around the Capitol and the White House, have seen some of the greatest changes in the city's existence. It almost failed to survive. In 1814 it was invaded by British troops who burned government buildings. Congress nearly moved the capital back to Philadelphia. The Civil War took a toll on the condition of the city. A public improvements program took place in the 1870s which, although costly, finally made the National Capital an attractive place to live.

Population grew steadily until the mid-20th century when it began to lose residents to the suburbs. About the same time, the historic preservation movement gave protection to the city's landmarks and neighborhoods. Change continued, at a slower pace. Washington, its population on the rise again and as always a mix of local, national and international interests, is thriving and showing many signs of positive change in the 21st century, its third as the National Capital.