Plan of the National Mall in Washington, DC

This map shows a plan for the National Mall which featured gardens, parks, winding paths, and the existing canal. Before the McMillan Commission's proposed redesign of the Mall in 1902, the space was much more pastoral in look and feel.

National Archives at College Park. View original

1841

PLAN OF THE MALL, with the adjoining Streets and Avenues; the relative position of the Capitol, President's House, and other Public Buildings: and particularly the improvement of that part of the Mall situated between 7th and 12 Streets; with a view of a Botanic Garden, connects with the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution, proposed to be in charge of the National Institution for the promotion of Science.

Map