On this day in the year 1791, our nation's capital (a.k.a. the place where we live) was named. Not a particularly original name, but better than
Zuma Nesta Rock, I suppose. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the occasion:
"A Southern site for the new country's capital was agreed upon at a dinner between James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, hosted by Thomas Jefferson.
The initial city plan was a diamond, measuring ten miles on each side, totaling 100 square miles (260 square kilometers). The actual site on the Potomac River was chosen by President Washington. Washington may have chosen the site for its natural scenery, believing the Potomac would become a great navigable waterway.
The city was officially named "Washington" on September 9, 1791.
Out of modesty, George Washington never referred to it as such, preferring to call it "the Federal City". Despite choosing the site and living nearby at Mount Vernon, he rarely visited."
