Which historical figure is associated with planning Washington, D.C.?

Which historical figure is associated with planning Washington, D.C.?

• A. Pierre Charles L'Enfant
• B. George Washington
• C. Thomas Jefferson
• D. James Madison

Answer: (A)

Pierre Charles L'Enfant is remembered for drawing the plan for the federal capital. He was commissioned in 1791 to design Washington, D.C. and produced a bold layout that arranged streets on a grid with grand diagonal avenues, all oriented toward the Capitol and the President’s House, creating a ceremonial spine that culminates in the National Mall. This design gave the city its monumental character and determined where major buildings and open spaces would sit. Although later adjustments were made, the core idea came from his plan. George Washington supported the project and chose the site, but he did not design the city’s streets. The other two figures were important leaders, not the planners of the capital’s layout.

Pierre Charles L'Enfant is remembered for drawing the plan for the federal capital. He was commissioned in 1791 to design Washington, D.C. and produced a bold layout that arranged streets on a grid with grand diagonal avenues, all oriented toward the Capitol and the President’s House, creating a ceremonial spine that culminates in the National Mall. This design gave the city its monumental character and determined where major buildings and open spaces would sit. Although later adjustments were made, the core idea came from his plan. George Washington supported the project and chose the site, but he did not design the city’s streets. The other two figures were important leaders, not the planners of the capital’s layout.