A Thomas Jefferson Washington D.C.

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had very different views on what our nations capital should look like. While Washington was in favor of the large, grand city idea, Jefferson much more preferred the small country town feel. Both of their views on the capital represented their views on the federal government. While Washington preferred a strong, powerful central government, Jefferson wanted a smaller federal government and more power given to the states. While Washington's idea eventually won out, it is still interesting to imagine what a Jefferson designed capitol would of looked like.

We can draw information from a couple Jefferson designed projects here, mainly the University of Virginia, Monticello and Poplar Forest. All three of these projects give some insight and information into Jeffersons personality and what the capitol would of looked like if designed by him.

All three of these locations have several things in common. They all focus very much on the gardens and plants that Jefferson enjoyed, and all have that countryside agricultural feel. The landscape plays a huge part in all three, and is the main part of the design. 

What would a Jefferson designed capitol have looked like? We will never know for sure, but we can be sure that it would be less of a commercial center, focused more on agriculture and a country feel.