Capitol Grounds History

Today the Capitol grounds cover approximately 274 acres in more than forty parcels. The location of the Capitol was selected by the designer of the federal city, Pierre L'Enfant, and approved by President George Washington during a visit to the site in 1791. L'Enfant famously wrote that he thought the elevated position selected for the building was like "a pedestal waiting for a monument." That pedestal is today known as "Capitol Hill." Prior to coming into public ownership the site of the Capitol was the property of Daniel Carroll, a member of a prominent and wealthy Maryland family. Sections of the city intended for public use were set aside in "reservations" with Capitol Square designated as "Reservation 2." From this beginning Capitol Square was enlarged in 1836 to 30 acres, and in 1872 to its current size of approximately 58 acres.