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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 The Library of Congress 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/littlesketchesgl02gare 
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS WHILE SURVEYING WASHINGTON IN 1791 
 
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 LITTLE SKETCHES & GLIMPSES of 
 OUR NATIONAL CAPITAL 
 
 by 
 
 MABEL FONDA GAREISSEN 
 
 'I 
 
 The subject matter of these sketches has been drawn from 
 accurate sources and includes many facts not easily 
 accessible to the general public. The illus- 
 trations, photographed especially for the 
 book, were selected with careful ref- 
 erence both to artistic merit 
 and historic interest. 
 
 t 9 
 
 
 L<rp/A 
 
 0- 
 
ifflt. Vernon 
 
 OUNT VERNON, the home of George Washington from 1754 to his death in 1799, is 
 about sixteen miles south of Washington on the right bank of the Potomac river. Through 
 the will of his half brother, Lawrence Washington, George inherited it when he was twenty- 
 years of age. It was named by Lawrence for Admiral Vernon, an English naval officer under 
 whom he had served against Spain. Until after the close of the Revolutionary war, the estate 
 of Mount Vernon was very primitive, the mansion having but four rooms of modest dimensions 
 to each of its two floors. The outbuildings were scanty and only a small portion of the land was 
 under cultivation. After Washington resigned his commission at Annapolis, December 23, 
 1 783, he hastened to his beloved home, again to take up his favorite occupation of farming. Down to the 
 most minute details he superintended the improvements of the place, being his own architect in the enlarge- 
 ment of the mansion and personally directing the beautifying of the grounds. 
 
 Words can convey but a faint idea of the grandeur of the situation and the magnificent view from 
 the brow of the hill, where the mansion stands. Washington's greatest pride was the forestry and although 
 during the Civil war the negroes cut down many valuable trees, for firewood, yet enough were left to show 
 the general plan, namely, the design of a shield being left intact in one part and the old liberty bell in another. 
 Here the various parts of the world were represented by their trees, and with their boughs coming together, 
 sometimes overlapping, grew the Mountain Ash, the Magnolia, the Elm, the Evergreen, the Coffee-bean, 
 Cypress, Cedar, Beech and others, all flourishing under his loving care. So enthusiastic was this great man 
 over his forestry that his friends caught the spirit and added to the collection. LaFayette in 1 824 planted 
 a Kentucky Coffee-tree ; Jefferson sent strawberry shrubs from Monticello. From May to October the luxu- 
 rious growth of the old trees and the undergrowth are a mass of variegated color, exquisite beyond the telling. 
 The mansion where so many illustrious people were entertained was a mansion indeed in Colonial 
 days, but compared with mansions of to-day, it is small and the arrangement inconvenient. But so long as 
 it stands, grateful Americans will make their loving pilgrimage to this shrine, and reverently pass through 
 [6] its rooms, where their great hero lived and died ; the hero " Who knew no glory but his country's good." 
 
W)t JWanston, 
 fflt. Vernon 
 
 [7] 
 
After the death of Martha Washington, Mount Vernon was utterly neglected for years, until, in 1855, 
 John Augustine Washington, the owner, unable to maintain it, offered it for sale. The people failing to 
 interest Congress in its purchase and restoration, Miss Anne Pamela Cunningham of South Carolina under- 
 took the task of raising the required $200,000 from the people of the country to purchase the mansion 
 and surrounding grounds. In 1858 The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association was organized, the regent 
 being Miss Cunningham. Vice-regents from twelve states were elected and efforts were made to raise the 
 money. Edward Everett contributed $69,000, Washington Irving $500 and thousands of school children 
 gave five cents each; thus the full sum was raised by 1859. Two hundred acres of land, the mansion and 
 the tomb became the property of the association, which has restored and has tenderly cared for every part. 
 
 THE TOMB wherein lie the remains of George Washington and his wife, Martha, is a spacious brick 
 vault with vines trailing over it and surrounded by memorial trees set out by Dom Pedro, Emperor of 
 Brazil; a British oak placed there by the request of the King of England; two, by college fraternities; 
 another by the children of the American Revolution, besides several others. 
 
 All patriotic Americans rejoice that the efforts to remove the remains of George Washington to a 
 more public place have failed, for what spot could be found as appropriate for his long, last resting-place, 
 as that on the hillside of his own beloved Mount Vernon? 
 
 [81 
 
GTfje GTomfc of 
 
 (Jieorge 
 
 ^asifjington 
 
 [9] 
 
l^agfjtngton, 
 
 tfje Jlational 
 
 Capital 
 
 [10] 
 
 (f VERY nation points with pride to its Capital city and makes it the central font for its art, 
 literature and science. A nation's Capital is the legitimate center for great universities, 
 [•& libraries, art galleries, museums, etc., and it is there and there only that such institutions can 
 assume a truly national air. Its institutions are for all the people of the country and not for 
 any one community, state or section, hence they should receive the interest and hearty sup- 
 port of every man, woman and child dwelling in peace and security under the protection of 
 the nation's constitution and flag. In natural beauty, Washington far surpasses all other 
 capitals and great cities of the world, for, in the beginning unerring judgment and rare taste 
 were displayed by wise leaders, in the selection of its site and the arrangement of its plan. It abounds in 
 broad avenues (named for the various states), lined on either side with magnificent trees whose foliage 
 forms an arch extending in many places from curb to curb. There are three hundred and two picturesque 
 parks within the city limits in which stand statues erected to illustrious men; these are surrounded by rare 
 flowers and evergreens, shrubs, pines and old elms. As a residential city for men of wealth, it grows 
 perceptibly each season and the magnificent homes they erect add greatly to its architectural beauty. The 
 time is fast approaching when Washington will be the center not only of architecture, but of sculpture, 
 painting and music as well. As a literary and scientific center, it already takes its place among the noted 
 Capitals of the world and can boast of one scientific man of international reputation to every five hundred 
 of its population. 
 
 Until we had a national capital, Congress held its sessions in four different states and eight cities. 
 New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, York, Princeton, Annapolis and Trenton. Even after seven 
 years controversy over the location of a Capital city Congress fixed no definite site but gave George Wash- 
 ington authority to make the selection within certain limits on the Potomac River. He gave added 
 proof of his usual sound judgment in deciding upon the tract of land between Georgetown and Alexandria. 
 At this time, vast plantations comprising 7, 1 00 acres, occupied this tract, owned by Daniel Carroll, Motley 
 Young, Samuel Davidson and David Burns. 
 
Circle 
 
 [13] 
 
*T IS the imposing dome of the United States Capitol that the visitor first sees when entering 
 (11/1)6 (LflptlOl j^| Jjj, Washington. This great building was not fully completed until 1867, almost seventy-five years 
 
 after the first corner-stone was laid, for from the beginning the construction was, through various 
 causes, interrupted and delayed. The site selected having been approved by the President, the 
 question of plans for the building next occupied the attention of those in authority. Washington 
 and Jefferson conceived the idea of advertising in the New York and Philadelphia papers for 
 plans. There were sixteen replies, mostly from amateurs who had no practical or artistic ideas. 
 Stephen Hallet, a Frenchman, residing in Philadelphia approached nearest to the ideas of Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson, and his plans would doubtless have been accepted had not William Thornton, an 
 English physician and amateur draughtsman, residing in the West Indies, brought another to Jefferson's 
 attention. Washington at once became enthusiastic over "The grandeur, simplicity and beauty of exterior; 
 the propriety with which the apartments were distributed, and the economy in the whole mass of structure." 
 As Thornton was not a practical architect, Hallet, who had been encouraged, was engaged to "Reduce his 
 rival's plans to practical form." Under the circumstances it was impossible for the relations of the two 
 architects to be long amicable. Two years later Hallet was discharged and George Hadfield of the 
 Royal Academy was engaged to come to America to superintend the work. But he, like Hallet, soon 
 began to ingraft his own plans into the construction and in 1 798 he too was dismissed. When Thornton 
 in 1803 resigned to become Keeper of Patents, Benjamin H. Latrobe was appointed supervising architect. 
 He was followed by Charles Bullfinch of Boston, who completed the center of the building in 1827, thirty 
 years after the corner-stone was laid. 
 
 After the war with Mexico, owing to the great growth of the country, it was decided "To extend the 
 
 wings by greater wings called extensions" and in 1851 Thomas V. Water of Philadelphia, a noted architect, 
 
 was engaged. He drew plans to complete the dome, making it appear much as it does today. He knew 
 
 that extending the wings and leaving the little dome would make the building squatty and absurd, but was 
 
 .... also aware that Congress would not appropriate any such sum as he required to complete it, so he first 
 
aCfte Capitol 
 of tije 
 Uniteb States 
 
 [15] 
 
submitted the plans for the wings and waited until Congress was about to adjourn. It was an evening 
 session and everybody was happy at the thought of returning home and no one was inclined to think of 
 expense. At this psychological moment Water submitted his handsomely drawn plan of the dome. The 
 enthusiasm it created was so great that before Congress realized the money was appropriated. It is owing 
 to this little trick that the crowning glory of the Capitol exists. 
 
 The south-east corner-stone was laid by George Washington, September 18, 1 793, with imposing 
 ceremonies. The north wing was ready for the first sitting of Congress in Washington, November 1 7, 1 800. 
 
 Through the conflicting tastes of many decorators, some of whom were foreigners, the Capitol has 
 suffered; yet it has not the unsymmetric appearance of many of the world's great buildings. It has grown 
 with the nation and so long as the nation stands it will not be completed. Each generation will leave its 
 impress and so mark the progress of the people. Up to the present time it has cost sixteen million dollars. 
 
 [16] 
 
botanical 
 #arbeng 
 
 [17] 
 
W$t ILttirarp 
 of Congress 
 
 V HE Congressional Library of Washington, the most beautiful and the cost- 
 liest library building in the world, had its beginning in a very small and 
 Jj unpretentious way. This magnificent structure, containing about one million 
 books and forty-five miles of shelving, took its rise in a small appropriation 
 of five thousand dollars made in April, 1800, for fitting up a room in the 
 Capitol with books for the use of Congress. At that time there were 1 ,064 
 \gS/ books and 9 maps. The beautiful grounds of the library adjoin those of 
 
 ■h the Capitol. The building is in the Italian renaissance style of architecture, 
 
 from plans prepared by Smithmeyer and Pelz and modified by Edward Pierce Casey. 
 Americans had had no representation during the early days in the decoration of the 
 Capitol, where the work of foreigners often failed to catch our national spirit, but, in the 
 Library of Congress American sculptors and painters have left a fitting monument to their 
 genius, taste and ability. 
 
 In 1815 Congress purchased the library of Thomas Jefferson, consisting of 6,700 
 volumes and this formed the nucleus of the present library. In December, 1 864, Ainsworth 
 R. Spofford was appointed librarian by President Lincoln, a position he held for thirty- 
 seven years. During this period the growth of the library was most marked and has 
 continued unchecked. It is the intellectual repository of our country and besides the 
 books, contains many etchings and drawings by the best artists and a music-room contain- 
 
 [18] 
 
Wit library 
 of Congress 
 
 [19] 
 
ing 300,000 sheets of music. There 
 is also a large reading-room devoted 
 to the blind and the library for these 
 afflicted ones is very complete. After 
 a lapse of twenty-five years this most 
 palatial edifice was completed at a 
 net cost exclusive of site of $6,000,000. 
 The library requires the service of 
 34 1 persons. By a system of pneu- 
 matic tubes (centering at the attend- 
 ants' desk) any of the books in the 
 library can be delivered to the readers 
 in the main reading-room and to the 
 senators and congressmen at the Cap- 
 itol, a quarter-mile away, within three 
 minutes after the request for them 
 is made. 
 
 [20] 
 
FOREMOST among the world's monuments 
 to any one man is that erected to the first 
 President of the United States, George Wash- 
 ington. The initial step toward erecting this 
 most imposing and costly monument, was 
 taken by Congress in 1 783, but not until the year 1833, 
 when the people of Washington, D. C, formed the or- 
 ganization called The National Monument Society, with 
 Chief Justice Marshall as president, was anything definite 
 done. Artists were invited to submit plans which should 
 "Harmoniously blend durability, simplicity and grandeur." 
 An original design by Robert Mills was selected and the 
 corner-stone was laid on the Fourth of July, 1 848. Work 
 progressed slowly, and in 1854 the $300,000 contributed 
 was exhausted, the monument standing incomplete until 
 1876, when Congress appropriated $200,000, also 
 assuming the responsibility for its completion. It was 
 dedicated February 12, 1885, the total cost having 
 amounted to $2,000,000. 
 
 In a square of forty acres, a tract of land admired 
 by Washington, its more that eighty thousand tons of 
 white marble rises 555 feet and six inches. The cost to 
 the government each year for carrying visitors up and 
 down is $20,000. 
 
 Mlas'ljington 
 jfflonument 
 
 [21] 
 
tEfje bureau 
 of Cngrabmg 
 anb printing 
 
 HE Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a branch of the 
 Treasury Department, for it is here that the government 
 bonds, national currency, postage and revenue stamps, 
 military and naval and diplomatic commissions, passports, 
 etc., are printed or engraved. Great secrecy is maintained 
 in printing from the plates, and still farther to guard 
 against counterfeiting, the copies of the original plates are 
 used, the originals being kept stored away. Every morn- 
 ing about nine o'clock one may see the huge steel wagons passing under 
 guard to the treasury, where a million dollars is deposited, there to be 
 finished and put into circulation. 
 
 [22] 
 
tEfje bureau 
 of Cngratring 
 anb -printing 
 
 [23] 
 
Qflfje ^Treasury 
 
 upon a 
 
 [24] 
 
 MMEDIATELY after the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress appointed two 
 joint treasurers, of the United Colonies, who followed Congress in its peregrinations. At the close 
 of the Revolutionary war it became imperative that there should be someone at the head of the 
 Treasury to take the responsibility of devising ways and means for paying off our foreign and 
 domestic war debt. Robert Morris of Philadelphia was appointed "Superintendent of Finance," 
 September, 1 78 1 , and succeeded in keeping our credit afloat at a time when the affairs of the Nation 
 were in a very unsettled condition. He also gave liberally to the country from his private fortune. 
 These were trying years for George Washington and his associates, for Congress could not agree 
 location for the National Capital and the country was threatened with bankruptcy. About this time 
 the Treasury Department was established and Alexander Hamilton was appointed Secretary. Although 
 but thirty-three years of age, he was a genius. Talleyrand, the French statesman, referred to him as "One 
 of the wonders of the earth." Hamilton's first act after assuming the office of Secretary of the Treasury, 
 was to recommend the payment of our foreign and domestic war debt in full. In consideration of the fact 
 that the Nation had less than four million people, the payment of $75,000,000 seemed an utter impossibility 
 to Congress. Hamilton, however, stood firm and through his unerring judgment our treasury system was 
 established upon a foundation so firm that it has never been shaken. 
 
 The growth was slow and most discouraging. When Washington was made the National Capital, 
 the Treasury building was so small it scarcely accommodated the few clerks employed and the records 
 were packed in a store nearby, which soon after burned. The contents of the Treasury were again con- 
 sumed by fire in 1833. It was then that a suitable Treasury building was decided upon. Another bitter 
 controversy arose as to its location. One morning President Jackson whose patience had been quite 
 exhausted, rushed from the White House to the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and 15 th street and 
 thrusting his walking stick into the ground, angrily exclaimed, "Put the building right here," and there it 
 was built. It was completed in 1867 at a cost of over $7,000,000. In the modified Ionic-Greek style, it 
 ranks architecturally, second only to the Capitol. 
 
©je Creasurp 
 
 of tf)C 
 
 Uniteb States 
 
 [25] 
 
In the Treasury of the United States there is a never-ending flow of money. After the receipt each 
 morning of the sheets of notes from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, they are sent to the sealing 
 room, where the "Red Seal" of the Register of the Treasury is stamped upon them. Then the notes are 
 cut and counted by many experts, done up in packages and deposited in the currency reserve vault 
 where they remain for two or more months. Each day as a new lot is placed in the vault, the same 
 amount is taken out to be put into circulation, eventually to return from the various banks of the country, 
 worn, soiled and much mutilated, to be redeemed in the Redemption Division. Every day at one 
 o'clock this mutilated money after having been examined by experts is deposited in the macerator, which 
 grinds the contents to a pulp. It is then returned to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, to be made 
 into book-binders board. In the Treasury and Sub-treasuries of the United States are kept the equivalent 
 in silver and gold of every gold and silver certificate (paper money) in circulation. 
 
 So enormous is the business of the Treasury Department today that many of its offices have been 
 forced into other quarters, and were there another building of similar size the room would still be inadequate. 
 
 tZPlJE S>tate, /^T n^ HE State, War and Navy Building ranks as the largest and most magnificent office building in 
 (filar antl J the world. There are five hundred rooms and two miles of marble halls. The state department 
 
 jSabp J^uilbirtg j s the depository for all proclamations of the President; for treaties, records and pardons of all 
 
 descriptions. The building also contains a large library of fifty thousand volumes. War and 
 naval trophies of historic interest and portraits of noted men. It is interesting to know that from 
 this point, through the administration of the Secretary of War and his bureaus, our Army can be 
 equipped, ready for war in less than six hours. 
 
 [26] 
 
3Dfje g>tate, 
 OTiar anb 
 JSabp Jluilbing 
 
 [27] 
 
?mttijSontan 
 3fnsstitute 
 
 N INTERESTING story is connected with the founding of the Smithsonian 
 $ Institute. In 1835, President Jackson announced that James Smithson, 
 an Englishman, although he had never visited America, nor had any 
 friends here, had left $5 1 5,000, his entire fortune, to found at Washing- 
 ton, under the name of the Smithsonian Institute, an establishment for 
 "The increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." James Smithson 
 was the natural son of the Duke of Northumberland and Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Macie, a niece of Charles, Duke of Somerset. Although of royal blood, 
 it counted for naught and naturally he became embittered. After leaving Oxford he took 
 the name of Smithson determining that it should live when the name of his noble ancestors 
 was forgotten. He devoted himself to scientific interests until his death in Genoa in 1829. 
 Congress after much deliberation and debate accepted the gift in 1 839. 
 
 The principle of the institute is that the work shall not be local, nor even national, 
 and that its energies shall not be devoted to anything that can be as well done by any 
 other institution. Over two thousand foreign societies are in correspondence with the 
 Smithsonian, whose experts are constantly making remarkable investigations and experi- 
 ments. The Natural History and Ethnological exhibits form but a small portion of what 
 has been collected; the greater number being exhibited in the National Museum and the 
 Zoological Park. 
 
 [28] 
 
i§>mttf)8onian 
 institute 
 
 [29] 
 
®fce J^attonal 
 Jfluseum 
 
 'N THE latter part of 1830, Commodore Elliott of the U. S. 
 Navy, a close friend of General Jackson, brought to him a 
 strange gift in the shape of an ancient sarcophagus that had 
 held the body of some Roman hero of Carthage. General 
 Jackson may have appreciated the motive that prompted the 
 gift but did not take kindly to the idea of having his remains 
 deposited therein and accordingly had the great stone placed 
 in the basement of the Patent office. This was the beginning 
 of what is now considered the largest collection of curios and relics in 
 the world; the number exceeding four millions of specimens representing 
 every age, race and nation of the globe. 
 
 [30] 
 
/•tfv. 
 
 Kit 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Bk 
 
 
 
 
 
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 r i 
 
 
 
 
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 4 
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 4-j ~ r 
 is? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7P*a* !^**,,. , 
 
 
 
 
 
 QTfje Rational 
 Jffltuseum 
 
 [31] 
 
House 
 
 [32] 
 
 MONG the first of the government buildings to be erected in the new Capital was the Presi- 
 s-5, dent's house. George Washington selected the site for it and officiated at the laying of the 
 corner-stone; the ceremony occurred October 1 3, 1 792. He lived to see the home for future 
 Presidents built, and with his wife walked through the various apartments shortly before 
 his death. The house was fashioned after the palace of the Duke of Leinster of Dublin 
 who had copied the Italian style. Its simplicity and stateliness excites the admiration of all 
 travelers. The beautiful and perfectly kept grounds that surround it consist of eighteen and 
 a half acres. In looking at this lovely place today, it is hard to picture the chaotic condition 
 in which President and Mrs. Adams found it upon their arrival in 1 800. Excerpts from a letter of Mrs. Adams 
 to her daughter, written directly after they had taken up their abode in the executive mansion, proves not 
 only interesting and amusing, but shows that the American woman had, over a hundred years ago, a keen 
 sense of humor. She writes, "Woods are all you see from Baltimore until you reach the city, which is only 
 so in name. * * f * The house is upon a grand and superb scale, requiring about thirty servants to attend 
 and keep the apartments in proper order * The lighting of the apartments from kitchen to the 
 
 parlor and chambers is a tax indeed; and the fires we are obliged to keep to secure us from daily agues 
 is another very cheering comfort. To assist us in this great castle and render less attendance necessary, 
 bells are wholly wanting; not one single one being hung through the whole house, * If they will 
 
 put me up some bells and let me have wood enough to keep fires, I design to be pleased * Sur- 
 
 rounded by forests, would you believe that wood is not to be had because people cannot be found to cut 
 and cart it. * * * * We have indeed come to a new country. There is not a single apartment finished; 
 We have not the least fence, yard or other convenience without, and the great unfinished audience 
 room (the East room) I make a drying room of, to hang up the clothes in, * * The principal stairs 
 
 are not yet up and will not be this winter." — Alas, it took all the patience, tact and executive ability for 
 which Mrs. Adams was noted to get the mansion in a condition for the first levee, January 1, 1801. 
 
 On August 23, 1814, during our second war with Great Britain, looting soldiers with vagrant negroes 
 
Wyt Wfyitt 
 Jlouge 
 
 North View 
 
 [33] 
 
entered Washington. President Madison had gone to join General Winder. The hundred men who had 
 been stationed to guard the mansion had also left. Alone, save a few trusted servants, "Dolly" Madison 
 remained in the house, guarding the Declaration of Independence, the cabinet papers, plate and other 
 valuables belonging to the office. These she collected at the sacrifice of her own private property. About 
 noon of August 24, when the enemy was actually on the doorstep, she fled. Just as she was stepping into 
 her carriage she turned and caught sight of the portrait of George Washington. At the risk of capture she 
 determined to take it. Not succeeding in removing it from the wall, she ordered the servants to take an 
 axe and tear the frame from around it. (When the house was rebuilt the picture was rehung, where it still 
 remains). Soon after Mrs. Madison's flight the looters broke down the door of the mansion and after 
 ransacking it from attic to cellar, set fire to it. 
 
 Later, when the mansion was rebuilt, it was painted white and has ever since been known as the 
 "White House." 
 
 [34] 
 
South View 
 
 [35] 
 
W$t Statue 
 of Ha Jf apette 
 
 Jf AFAYETTE SQUARE, so named by George Washington, is the most 
 beautiful of the many beautiful small parks of Washington. It is directly 
 opposite the White House and surrounded on all sides by buildings of 
 j historic interest and the homes of distinguished people. In the south-east 
 ^m^ V corner stands the splendid statue of La Fayette, the French officer, who 
 in the time of our greatest need gave his purse and services to our 
 JL country. The love of the American people for the Marquis La Fayette 
 
 has continued throughout all the years that have passed since those dark days; and when 
 in 1824, thirty years after he had rendered such valuable and distinguished service to this 
 republic, he decided to revisit the country, Congress resolved that, "Whenever the Presi- 
 dent shall be informed of the time when the Marquis may be ready to embark, a national 
 ship with suitable accomodations be employed to bring him to the United States." But 
 La Fayette's modesty forbade acceptance of this and he took passage in a private ship. 
 When his coming became known, every American prepared to give him a hearty welcome 
 and it is reported that before his arrival, people were wearing La Fayette ribbons, La Fayette 
 waist-coats, La Fayette feathers, hats, caps, gloves, etc., even the ginger-cakes were stamped 
 with his name. A continuous ovation was accorded him in the twenty-four states. 
 After his death Congress erected a magnificent statue in honor of the man and of "The 
 services he rendered to America, to the world, and to liberty." 
 
 [36] 
 
W)t §£>tatue 
 of Ha Jf apette 
 
 Sculplor, Falquiere 
 
 [37] 
 
tTOfje Statue of 
 JXocijambeau 
 
 NOTHER statue in La Fayette Park is that of Count 
 
 Rochambeau who was in command of 6,000 French 
 
 • soldiers sent to aid the Americans in 1 780 and who 
 
 contributed to our victory at Yorktown. This statue 
 
 was presented to the United States by France, in 1 902. 
 
 [38] 
 
QLt)c statue of 
 &ocf)amt)eau 
 
 Sculptor, F. Hamar 
 
 [39] 
 
Wbt Cosimosi 
 
 Clut3 
 
 [40] 
 
 jp HE Cosmos Club is 
 the headquarters for 
 the Scientists, Investi- 
 *\ji/* gators, Artists and Lit- 
 erati of our country. 
 Here these famous men meet 
 and while passing a social hour 
 or so, exchange ideas and opin- 
 ions. The house has been a 
 celebrated one since the time 
 that the beautiful and witty 
 "Dolly" Madison held her court 
 there as the widow of President 
 Madison. After her death, a 
 number of noted men lived 
 there, until the breaking out of 
 the Civil war, when General 
 McClellan used it for his head- 
 quarters, while in command of 
 the Army of the Potomac. 
 
 THE McCLELLAN STATUE-Sculptor, MacMonnies 
 
ftfje Cosmos 
 Club 
 
 [41] 
 
©fie Rational «T% 
 
 Cemetery, 
 Arlington 
 
 [42] 
 
 RLINGTON, one of the most beautiful of the early estates of Virginia and one so intimately 
 connected -with the history of the country, is a few miles west of Washington, on the Potomac 
 river. Here lie buried 1 6,000 of our war heroes, who served their country in times of need. 
 South of the path leading from the entrance gate to the mansion are the graves of soldiers 
 of the Civil war, each marked by a small marble headstone. North of the path are those of 
 the commissioned officers, many of whom were distinguished in the early Indian and the 
 Mexican wars. By the side of a number of the officers lie their wives and families. On the 
 brow of the hill near the mansion, officers of a later period are buried, among them General 
 "Phil" Sheridan, Major-General Abner Doubleday, historian of Gettysburg, Major-General George Crook 
 and others. The victims of the battleship Maine and hundreds who lost their lives in Cuba during our 
 war with Spain are buried in the southern part of the cemetery. The monument over the unknown dead 
 seems particularly sacred and touching, for under it are the remains of 2,111 soldiers, whose bodies were 
 gathered after the battle of Bull Run and never identified. 
 
 Arlington originally formed part of a grant made in 1 669 by the Governor of Virginia to Robert 
 Howsen as a reward for the latter's bringing a number of settlers to the colony. Not long after he disposed 
 of the entire tract for six hogsheads of tobacco to John Alexander, who in turn sold it in 1 778 to John Park 
 Custis. His son, Daniel Park Custis took to wife one of the reigning belles of the times, Martha Dandridge. 
 On the death of her husband and his father, not many years later, the entire property came into possession 
 of the young wife and her two children. The far-famed "Widow" Custis later became the wife of George 
 Washington and the mistress of Mount Vernon. The son of Martha Washington, after serving on his step- 
 father's staff during the Revolutionary war, died leaving two infant children, "Nelly" and George, who 
 were adopted by Washington. It was George Custis who built the present mansion at Arlington. Of his 
 four children one only survived, a daughter, Mary Custis who married Robert E. Lee in 1 83 1 . They lived 
 at Arlington for thirty years. At the breaking out of the Civil war Lee, after long and sad deliberation, 
 resigned his commission in the army and on the twentieth of April, 1861, was appointed Major-General 
 
tKfje Jflansion, 
 Arlington 
 
 [43] 
 
and Commander of the Confederate forces of Virginia. The Government seized everything of historic 
 value at Arlington and the Federal authorities took possession of the mansion for their headquarters and 
 converted the grounds into a camp. January 11,1 864, it was put up at public sale for unpaid taxes 
 ($92.07) and was purchased by the Government for $26,000. 
 
 Thirteen years later George Washington Custis Lee, the sole remaining male heir under the Custis 
 will, brought suit in ejectment and successfully contested the legality of the title of the Government under 
 tax sale but was barred by the Supreme Court. However, in recognition of his equitable claim, Congress 
 appropriated $150,000 for the purchase of the estate, March 31, 1883, and Mr. Lee conveyed by deed to 
 the United States all his rights therein. 
 
 [44] 
 
tEfje monument 
 to tfje Unknown 
 
 [45] 
 
tBTfje g>oIbtenf' 
 
 HIS home is for the benefit of men honorably discharged 
 from the regular army after twenty years' service, or, who 
 have been disabled by wounds or disease contracted 
 during service. It was established in 1 85 1 , through the 
 efforts of General Scott, from funds received from prop- 
 erty confiscated during the Mexican war. Situated on 
 high ground, three miles north of the city, overlooking the 
 winding Potomac river, the Capitol, Washington Monu- 
 ment and Library of Congress, a more exquisite panorama of natural 
 and architectural beauty could not be found. Of the 800 soldiers living 
 there, more that 250 are bed-ridden in the large hospital, where they 
 receive every care and attention. 
 
 [46] 
 
®be g>olbters' 
 
 [47] 
 
Cabin foim 
 Prtbse 
 
 J| ABIN JOHN BRIDGE which is a few miles west of Washington, forms 
 ^ part of the aqueduct system and is the largest stone arch in the world, 
 
 ■ " making a span of 220 feet and rising 57,26 feet. History records but 
 
 *M ~gj one bridge or stone arch larger than Cabin John. It spanned the 
 
 ^,^ ^, _y r v jr Adda, a tributary of Po at Trezzo, in northern Italy, but the date of its 
 construction and just when it was demolished has never been accurately 
 determined. Cabin John Bridge which was practically completed in 
 1 863 will stand forever as a monument to Montgomery Meigs, in whose 
 mind it was conceived. The working plans were prepared by Alfred L. Rives, the Assistant 
 Engineer, father of Amelie Rives, the authoress. The origin of the title of Cabin John, as 
 applied to both the creek and the bridge, is somewhat legendary. At the beginning of the 
 century, a mysterious person appeared in the vicinity and built for himself a rough cabin, 
 a short distance above the bridge. The only name by which he was known was "John." 
 Sometimes he was referred to as "Captain John" and "John of the Cabin" and the present 
 name is either a corruption of Captain John or derived from John of the Cabin. This 
 strange hermit communed with no one, living entirely by himself and fished and hunted 
 for subsistence. It is said that one day he disappeared and was never seen or heard of 
 afterwards. 
 
 During the days of slavery the old negroes of the vicinity, insisted that the ghost of 
 Cabin John often appeared and was seen wandering about the deserted cabin. 
 
 [48] 
 
Cabin Sfoftn 
 JBribge 
 
 [49] 
 
Qtfje Corcoran 
 <©allerj> of Srt 
 
 MHE Corcoran Gallery of Art was given to the people by Wil- 
 son Corcoran, who devoted a portion of his fortune to the 
 welfare of his fellow men. The gallery was begun in 1 859, 
 but its progress was interrupted by the Civil war, and it was 
 -A. not until 1 869 that Mr. Corcoran deeded it to the trustees for 
 
 "The perpetual establishment and encouragement of painting, sculpture 
 and fine arts generally." The collection is valued at two million dollars, 
 contains four thousand works of art and is steadily increasing. 
 
 [50] 
 
tEfje Corcoran 
 (gallerp of Srt 
 
 Completed 1897 
 
 [51] 
 
Jforb'jS 
 theatre 
 
 T THE time of the breaking out of the Civil war, Ford's Theatre 
 was the fashionable place of amusement in Washington. On 
 the night of April 14, 1865, President Lincoln with his wife and 
 several of his staff were invited to attend the play. During one 
 of the intermissions, J. Wilkes Booth who was acting a leading 
 part, entered the box of the President and before the occupants 
 realized what had happened, shot the President in the back of 
 the head. At the same moment other assassins attempted to 
 murder the cabinet officers, but were unsuccessful. Booth and his companions 
 succeeded in escaping, but all were captured with the exception of Booth, and 
 were tried and hung at the arsenal. Booth was eventually traced to a stable in 
 Maryland where, when he found that escape was impossible, he committed suicide. 
 After the tragedy the theatre was closed. The government purchased it, 
 and after remodeling, used it for the record and pension division of the war depart- 
 ment. The place, however, seemed doomed for tragedy, for in 1893, the floor 
 collapsed, injuring many clerks and killing others. 
 
 [52] 
 
Jforb'g 
 ^teatre 
 
 [53) 
 
g>t. f ofjn'sf 
 
 Protestant 
 
 Episcopal 
 
 Cfjurcf) 
 
 [54] 
 
 F THE churches in Washington, St. John's probably 
 k excites the greatest interest. It was built in 1816, 
 on the north of La Fayette Square, and is the second 
 oldest church in the city. In 1816 a pew was set 
 apart for the President of the United States and was 
 occupied by everyone of them down to Lincoln and 
 subsequently by Arthur. It is called the Church 
 of State. It has been the scene of many cele- 
 brated weddings and from it many 
 persons once prominent in military 
 and omicial life have been 
 taken to their last resting 
 place. 
 
American 
 ^ecuritp ana 
 GtruSt Co. 
 
 [55] 
 
jfflansion 
 
 MONG the many historic homes in Washington, there is none around which is 
 woven a web of greater romance than that which surrounds the old Van Ness 
 
 mansion. 
 
 #3*3) 
 
 The woman who reigned there for so many years stands out 
 prominently among the noted women of Colonial times. She was Marcia 
 ^B Burns, daughter of David Burns who owned a large plantation on the site 
 where Washington now stands, and who so long and so stubbornly refused 
 to sell his land to the Government for laying out the National Capital. With 
 his charming daughter he lived in a low, four-roomed house which was known 
 as the "Burns Mansion" and here Marcia held her court, for her suitors were many and came 
 from far and near. John P. Van Ness, a Congressman from New York who was "well fed, well 
 bred and well read" won the maiden's heart and at twenty years of age she married him. For 
 several years they lived in the little house and it was there their only child, a daughter, was born. 
 During the daughter's school days at Philadelphia a new mansion was built on the same grounds, 
 close to the old home, so sacred to Mrs. Van Ness (Marcia Burns). Costly woods and Italian 
 marbles adorned the interior of the new mansion which was the most luxurious and complete 
 home of the time. After the daughter's death, which occured within a few years after her return 
 from school, the broken-hearted mother consecrated her life to God, and up to the time of her 
 death adopted all the little motherless children round about and gave them a mother's love and 
 care. This was the beginning of the City Orphan Society of Washington. Her husband survived 
 her many years and was noted as one of the most lavish hosts of the day. 
 
 The mansion is fast going to ruin. By the superstitious it is thought to be haunted, and it is 
 said that once a year on the anniversary of the death of Mr. Van Ness, six headless horses are seen 
 galloping around the house in the dead of night, while the trees sigh and moan an accompaniment. 
 
 [56] 
 
jftlanStnn 
 
 [57] 
 
W$t ©ctagon 
 
 NOTHER house that is supposed to be haunted is the 
 Octagon House, which was built over a hundred 
 years ago by Col. John Tayloe. It was in this house 
 that President and Mrs. Madison lived after the burn- 
 ing of the White House by the English in 1814, and 
 here the peace treaty was drawn. Within its walls 
 "Dolly" Madison, the most popular woman of our 
 country, held her famous drawing-rooms that were 
 attended by scholars, war heroes, statesmen and diplomats. Near the 
 house was a long line of slave pens and the old auction block, where 
 men, women and children were sold to the highest bidder. While the 
 old house rang with mirth, misery sat on the door-step. Hence the story 
 goes, the spirits of the slaves make nightly visits and announce their 
 coming by the ringing of bells. 
 
 [58] 
 
tEfce (Octagon 
 
 I?OUS'f 
 
 [59] 
 
QCije department 
 of Agriculture 
 
 HE situation of the Department of Agriculture is the best 
 of any of the Government buildings. The beautiful ter- 
 raced gardens surrounding it contain almost every plant 
 of our country and in season are a blaze of exquisite color. 
 In the spacious conservatories adjoining are horticultural 
 specimens from all parts of the world. The collection of 
 palms is unequaled. The investigations of the many 
 divisions of the department are rendered useful to the 
 citizens of the United States by the free distribution of the one thousand 
 different books and pamphlets, which contain matter of great value to 
 the agriculturist. More than seven million copies are distributed annually. 
 In addition, one hundred and thirty thousand dollars is expended each 
 year in sending to all parts of the country seeds that have been tested 
 for their purity. 
 
 [60] 
 
QElje JBepartmcnt 
 of Agriculture 
 
 [61] 
 
Cfjrijst Cfjurcf), 
 gllexarttiria, Ua. 
 
 [62] 
 
 ^S.F THE many spots in Alexandria held sacred in 
 % the minds of its residents, the dearest one of all 
 is the old Christ Church which contains the pew 
 where, Sunday after Sunday, George Washington 
 sat, a participant in the services. Robert E. Lee 
 was also a regular attendant. 
 
CfjriSt Cfjurti), 
 Slexanbrta, "Va. 
 
 [63] 
 
Cfje J^aljnemann 
 ifflonument 
 
 NE of the most artistic statues adorning the parks of 
 Washington is the one erected by the American 
 Institute of Homoeopathy to the honor of Samuel 
 Hahnemann, father of Homoeopathy. Hahnemann 
 who was one of the most profound scholars of his 
 time, was born at Meissen, Saxony, April 11, 1 755. 
 He was the son of a porcelain painter who did all 
 in his power to restrain the lad from having any- 
 thing more than a rudimentary education. However, at twelve years of 
 age, he was appointed instructor in elementary Greek, and at twenty 
 was master of six languages. He succeeded in working his way through 
 Leipzig by translating and coaching. Later he became proficient not 
 only in all modern languages but in the dead ones as well, and graduated 
 in medicine with the highest honors in 1 779. Through his advanced 
 thinking he endured the greatest hardships, but never failed to receive 
 recognition at the hands of the Government. He died at Paris, July 2, 
 1 843, at eighty-nine years of age. 
 
 [64] 
 
jWonument 
 
 [65] 
 
QDije ^Bancroft 
 JWanston 
 
 T IS interesting to know 
 that George Bancroft, 
 who was the first his- 
 torian to bring order out 
 of our chaotic history, 
 spent the last twenty 
 years of his life in this 
 house, and here completed the 
 first authentic history of the United 
 States. 
 
 [66] 
 
Cttp Hall 
 
 [67] 
 
THE GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC 
 
 [66] 
 
&ock Creek 
 
 It was on Rock 
 Creek, the stream 
 that winds through 
 the beautiful park 
 of the same name, 
 that Robert Fulton 
 tested his miniature 
 steamboat. 
 The "Clearmont" in 
 which he made his 
 first trip up the 
 Hudson river in 
 1807, was built after 
 that tiny model. 
 
 [69] 
 
VLi}t patent 
 Office 
 
 [70] 
 
[71] 
 
 THE CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
[72] 
 
I^JN THE month of August, 1814, Francis Scott Key, a prominent young lawyer of Georgetown, D. C, 
 I A was requested to obtain the sanction of our government to intercede with the British for the 
 %_ release of Dr. Beans who was being held a prisoner. After securing the necessary papers from 
 j^_ the State Department, on the third of September Key left for Baltimore, where he was joined by 
 \A. Col. James S. Skinner, commissioner of exchange. Together they embarked, under a flag of truce, 
 °" on the United States cattle-ship Minden for the British fleet, which lay at the mouth of the Potomac 
 river. Although courteously received, they were not permitted to leave until after the contemplated 
 bombardment of Fort McHenry. For three days Key witnessed the landing of nine thousand men 
 and their preparations for an attack on his country at North Point. The enemy then moved farther up the 
 Patapsco, drawing up their sixteen heavy war ships in line of battle two miles from the fort. At sunrise 
 on the thirteenth of September they commenced their well directed bombardment. Major George 
 Armistead, commander of the fort, opened his batteries upon the British but the missiles fell short and were 
 harmless. The fort was poorly garrisoned and for several hours was exposed to a tremendous shower of 
 shot and shell. Emboldened, the British sent their bomb-ships nearer, but they were soon driven back. 
 The bombardment increased in fury and the firing continued incessantly until after midnight. 
 
 In agony of mind Key had watched the fight. With the last fading ray of light he discerned the 
 beloved flag still proudly waving, but when the firing ceased his anxiety for his country was not relieved. 
 His suspense was growing unbearable when "by the dawn's early light" he saw "that the flag was still 
 there." His ecstacy and gratitude knew no bounds. During those moments of complete self-forgetfulness 
 the inspired words, "The Star Spangled Banner" came to him, — the germ that developed into the immortal 
 lines of our National Anthem. 
 
 The home which Mr. Key left to go on his mission of mercy still stands, though in a most dilapidated 
 condition. An association has, however, recently been organized (with Hon. Henry B. F. Macfarland, Presi- 
 dent, and Admiral George Dewey, U. S. N., Vice-President) for the purpose of preserving the house in com- 
 memoration of the man who in his hour of detention and despair gave to Americans a National Anthem. 
 
 <Efje g>tar 
 g>pangleb 
 farmer 
 
The flag that waved 
 
 over Fort McHenry. 
 
 The flag Key 
 
 christened "The 
 
 Star Spangled 
 
 Banner." 
 
 Now in the care of 
 
 The National 
 
 Museum 
 
 BHSfe 3 * ^T$-^ \TS 
 
 By permission of N. W. Ayer & Son. 
 
 Jfr >814 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS