VoL. VI, PP. 149-178, PL. 9 NOVEMBER 1, 1894 
THE 
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 
SURVEYS AND MAPS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
BY 
MARCUS BAKER 
(Presented before the Society March 23, 1894.) 
On the 15th of April, 1791, there was laid, with solemn and 
elaborate masonic ceremonial, the corner stone of the District of 
Columbia. This stone, still standing, though hidden from view, 
forms a part of the foundation wall of the lighthouse at Jones 
point, near Alexandria, Virginia. It is under the gateway in 
front of the south door of the lighthouse. The long and tedious 
discussion which led to the selection of a district, not to exceed 
ten miles square, on the banks of the Potomac, between its Kastern 
branch and the Conogocheague, does not belong to the present 
theme. It suffices to say that selection had been made by act of 
Congress July 16,1790. Under this authority President Wash- 
ington directed a preliminary or provisional survey of the area to 
be taken for the Federal Government. This preliminary survey 
he directed should begin at a point on Hunting creek determined 
21—Nart. Grog. Maa., vor. VI, 1894. (149) 
