The Canal Connection

Historical marker location:

The National Mall, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50) and 17th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east on Constitution Avenue Northwest.)

The original design of the city was influenced by a French architect: Pierre Charles L'Enfant, a French architect and engineer, was hired by George Washington to design the city in 1791. L'Enfant's design was influenced by the layout of several European cities, including Paris and Versailles.