George Washington's Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation

Authors

Robert P. Watson, Lynn UniversityFollow

Files

Description

Despite America's newly won independence, a bitter dispute over whether to have a capital and where to locate it almost tore the young nation apart. Few have written about the key role George Washington played in settling this question.

George Washington's Final Battle recounts Washington's exceptional political skill and involvement in the placement of America's capital, moving it from New York to Philadelphia to the city that ultimately bore his name. Washington oversaw the surveying, negotiated land deals, raised funds, selected the architect, chose the final design, and altered the plans as the city took shape. He quietly worked behind the scenes to push for the Potomac River location. Washington visited various construction sites even after his presidency, making the federal city his last great contribution to public life.

Robert P. Watson's book will fascinate not only historians but also a broad readership interested in the founding period, American presidency, and history of Washington, DC. This highly readable book relays a little-known tale of founding intrigue and an underappreciated side of Washington's political acumen and leadership. Though he died less than a year before President Adams moved into the White House, Washington's vision, influence, and talent for political compromise united a contentious country around a capital and a sense of nationhood.

Book Format

Book

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

ISBN

978-1626167841

Publication Date

2020

Publisher

Georgetown University Press

City

Washington, DC

Comments

Editions:

• Books on tape with Tantor Media (Australia, Canada, & UK)
• Audio book with AudioBook.com
• Paperback edition (2021); 2nd printing (2021)

Book Awards:

• Winner: “Ippy” (Independent Publishers Silver Medal for History)
• Nomination: Florida

Book Festivals, Shows, & Signings:

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• U.S. Capitol Historical Society, Washington, DC (2021)
• National Public Radio (2021)
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• Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History, New York City (2021)
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• Georgetown University Press “Books for a Better World” podcast (2021)
• American Revolution Institute, Washington, DC (2021)
• Books and Books, Miami (2021)
• Grand Edventures Book Program, Boynton Beach, Florida (2021)
• Brandeis University National Committee (2021)
• Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education, Miami (2021)
• History Unplugged Podcast (2021)
• Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale (2021)
• Delray Beach Library (2021)
• Stirling Road Library Book Fair, Ft. Lauderdale (2021)
• Boca Live, Boca Magazine podcast, Florida (2021)
• Levis JCC & Sandler Center, Florida (2021)
• Gaithersburg Book Festival, Maryland (2020) [Cancelled: Covid]
• Books & Books Bookstore, Florida (2020) [Cancelled: Covid]
• George Washington University Museum (2020) [Cancelled: Covid]
• The Forum Club, Florida (2020) [Cancelled: Covid]
• Company A, Florida (2020) [Cancelled: Covid]
• Murder on the Beach Bookstore, Florida (2020) [Cancelled: Covid]
• Delray Beach Library, Florida (2020) [Cancelled: Covid]

Recommended Citation

Watson, R. P. (2020). George Washington's final battle: The epic struggle to build a capital city and a nation. Georgetown University Press.