As part of the Compromise of 1790, non-partisan (nationalist) President Washington signs the Residence Act, creating the District of Columbia, a “ten mile square” territory on the banks of the Potomac River, assimilating Georgetown, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia, to serve as the permanent seat of the federal government.  The Act gives the president direct control over the governance of the district.

       NOTE: The Compromise of 1790 was an agreement by which the federal government would locate the capital in the southern States in exchange for federal assumption of the State’s war debts.  This greatly benefitted the northern States as they still owed great deal; whereas the southern States had nearly paid off their debts.

       [restored 10/16/2021] Thanks to Freedoms Phoenix for this entry.