George Washington's final battle : the epic struggle to build a capital city and a nation

__George Washington’s Final Battle__ tells the little-known story of how the country's first president tirelessly advocated for a capital on the shores of the Potomac. Although Washington died just months before the federal government's relocation, his vision and influence live on in the city that bears his name. "At the end of America's Revolutionary War, the new nation's government was weak and almost fatally divided by bitter disputes. Inherent in the divides was disagreement about where to place the nation's seat of government. It is little remembered that George Washington took the lead on settling this question that moved the capital from New York, to Philadelphia, and finally to the city that bears his name. Robert Watson has written an engaging history of Washington's underappreciated political acumen and the fascinating story behind the creation of Washington, DC. Few know how personally involved Washington was in even the smallest details of planning DC. He quietly worked behind the scenes to push for a Potomac River locations. He oversaw surveying, negotiated land deals, raised funds, selected the architect, chose the plan, and changed the designs. Washington visited the construction sites for the rest of his life, even after leaving the presidency in 1797, making the federal city itself his last great contribution to public life. He died less than a year before President Adams moved into the White House in 1800. Washington's vision, influence, and feel for political compromise made it possible to build a permanent capital and to begin forming a sense of nationhood"-- Provided by publisher. George Washington is remembered for leading the Continental Army to victory, presiding over the Constitution, and forging a new nation, but few know the story of his involvement in the establishment of a capital city and how it nearly tore the United States apart. In George Washingtons Final Battle, Robert P. Watson brings this tale to life, telling how the country's first president tirelessly advocated for a capital on the shores of the Potomac. Washington envisioned and had a direct role in planning many aspects of the city that would house the young republic. In doing so, he created a landmark that gave the fledgling democracy credibility, united a fractious country, and created a sense of American identity. Although Washington died just months before the federal government's official relocation, his vision and influence live on in the city that bears his name. This little-known story of founding intrigue throws George Washingtons political acumen into sharp relief and provides a historical lesson in leadership and consensus-building that remains relevant today. This book will fascinate anyone interested in the founding period, the American presidency, and the history of Washington, DC.