Washington, D.C., began as a settlement in the wilderness in 1791. Its broad avenues, ceremonial open spaces, and diagonal boulevards have long since become the distinguishing features of Washington's urban planning. W a s h i n g t o n Through Two Centuries presents a comprehensive history of
the city, recording its changing character and suggesting future developments. Author Joseph Passonneau has devoted twenty-five years to preparing a suite of detailed maps to show the center of the city, building by building, in
1800, 1860, 1900, 1940, 1970, and 2000. These detailed maps, presented as foldout pages, offer an exceptional graphic history of the capital's transformation. The volume is also illustrated with a great number of compelling archival photographs.