Existing comment:
The Mayoral Period: 1802-1871:
The federal government began to consider the extent of the exclusive control it would retain over the federal district. During this period, Congress eliminated the commissioners, incorporated Washington City, gave it a charter, and established restricted self-government.
The President appointed a mayor, who was then allowed to appoint city officials. A twelve-member elected city council later was divided into an upper and lower house. In 1812, Congress permitted the election of the mayor by the council, created an eight-member Board of Aldermen, and then added a twelve-member Common Council.
From the early 1800s, local issues of Georgetown and Alexandria were part of the evolving debate over jurisdiction. Already municipal entities before the establishment of the national capital, they protested Congressional lethargy and stinginess when it came to their affairs. Alexandrians were aggrieved that Congress refused to permit any federal building on the southwest shore of the Potomac River.
In the 1830s, both towns began to seriously consider returning to their native states. Ultimately, the Georgetown retrocession movement faltered while the one in Alexandria gained strength, fueled by concerns over the deprivation of civil rights, public debt, and taxes. Moreover, talk of the abolition of slavery and the slave trade in the District was a significant factor in the active interest of the Virginia legislature. In 1846, Congress ceded Alexandria back to Virginia.
"Without [Congressional] representation, suffrage is of no value."
-- Theodore Noyes, editor of the Washington Star, 1888
Chronology:
1975:
Mayor Walter E Washington is administered the oath of office in front of the District (Wilson) Building by US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (January 2). Washington is the first elected Mayor of the District of Columbia and assumes office with the first elected Council chaired by Sterling Tucker.
1976:
John A. Nevius, Chair (1972-1975) of the Appointed Council, writes editor of the Washington Post, noting that the District (Wilson) Building is an outstanding example of the Palladian revival architectural design (May 29, 1976). Nevius further illustrates that the Seat of Government is, in fact, practically a replica of Palazzo da Porto Festa by Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580).
1977:
Armed Hanafi Muslims take over District (Wilson) Building. Maurice Williams, a reported for WHUR-FM, it fatally shot. Special police officer Mark Cantrell dies two days later from gunshot wounds. Councilmember Marion Barry recovers from a gunshot wound near his heart. The 40-day siege ends after ambassadors from three Islamic nations negotiate a surrender to authorities (March 9). |