| "Pennsylvania
Avenue -
Market Square in 1911" by Paul McGehee. Looking south-east along
"America's Main Street" toward the United States Capitol Building in
1911. The avenue envisioned by the founding fathers as an American
"Champs-Elysees" was a long time in coming. In the early days of a
fledgling nation, it was a muddy stretch of dirt and dust, constantly
under construction and repair. Begun in 1792 on the plan of Pierre
L'Enfant as a "Grand Avenue" connecting both the "President's Palace"
and the "Federal House," Pennsylvania Avenue underwent many changes of
design and purpose before it became the thoroughfare that we know
today. The road was not paved until 1871 (in wood blocks), which soon
needed replacing as it turned to splinters under the traffic's wear and
tear. It was finally paved in asphalt beginning in 1907. Traction-type
streetcars ran the length of the avenue, and shoppers frequented the
outdoor markets of Market Square. It was finally becoming the
tree-lined promenade envisioned by George Washington and Thomas
Jefferson...worthy of the beauty of the U.S. Capitol building and the
White House, which it connects. Pennsylvania Avenue is today the scene
of many processions and parades, and is known as the "Pathway of
Presidents". This print is from the original watercolor painted by Paul
McGehee for President Ronald Reagan in 1982, presented to him honor of
his 71st birthday. |
