Abstract
Abstract Why the McMillan Plan for Washington, D.C., became the nation's first comprehensive city plan and so greatly influenced the beginnings of the city planning movement in the United States is rooted partly in its hidden political origins. This article identifies three of those origins: a now-forgotten battle over the future development of the Mall; a behind-the-scenes bargain among the American Institute of Architects, the Washington Board of Trade, and Senator James McMillan that enlarged the agenda to include citywide park system design; and a successful effort by architect Daniel H. Burnham to persuade McMillan to support an ambitious general plan rather than a tentative one. The story underscores the critical role of power and politics in the making of workable comprehensive plans, then and now.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
