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Primary sourceArtifactMarch 1791

Sketch of Washington, March 1791

Thomas Jefferson · March 1791

Thomas Jefferson's ink sketch proposing a design for the new federal capital city, drawn while he was secretary of state.

Jefferson drew this sketch himself as secretary of state, showing his role in planning the new federal capital.

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Hand-drawn ink sketch map on paper of the proposed federal city on the Potomac, showing Georgetown, Rock Creek, the Tiber, a grid of dotted lots, labeled Capitol and President's Walks, and handwritten notes.
Thomas Jefferson, Proposed Plan of Federal City, March 1791. Library of Congress.

About this source

What it is

This is a hand-drawn ink sketch made by Thomas Jefferson in March 1791, proposing a plan for the federal city on the Potomac River, including Georgetown, the Capitol, and the President's Walks.

Why it matters

As secretary of state, Jefferson took part in planning the new national capital, later known as Washington, D.C. This sketch shows his direct, hands-on involvement in shaping the physical layout of the young nation's government seat.

Look closer

  • What features of the city did Jefferson choose to sketch and label?
  • What might this early, rough plan tell us about how ideas develop before a final design is chosen?
  • What is missing from a sketch like this that a finished map would include?

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