This Day in the Law
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July 16

Congress Authorized President Washington to Select U.S. Capital (1790)


On July 16, 1790, Congress authorized President George Washington through the Residence Act to select a permanent U.S. capital. Shortly thereafter, President Washington moved the U.S. capital from Philadelphia to the area now known as the city of Washington in the District of Columbia along the Potomac River as the capital of the United States. The area was named in honor of President Washington by Congress.

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution includes language that authorizes the establishment of a federal district not to exceed 10 square miles. President Washington commissioned French engineer Pierre-Charles L'Enfant to create a plan for the layout of the city in compliance with the U.S. Constitution. L'Enfant designed a wide grid pattern with open spaces so that the city would not feel over crowded.

In 1800, the city had a population of just over 14,000. Over time, the Washington D.C. has grown into the head of federal government and home to many landmarks and businesses.

Today, you can find just about anything in Washington D.C. For example, the capital is home to Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, the White House, Capitol Mall, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Smithsonian Institution and several other museums, the Library of Congress, multiple major league sports venues, etc. If you have not visited Washington D.C., it is definitely a trip worth pursuing.