GEORGE WASHINGTON is remembered for leading the Continental Army to victory, presiding over the Constitution, and forging a new nation, but few know the story of his involvement in the establishment of a capital city and how it nearly tore the United States apart. In George Washington's Final Battle, Robert P. Watson brings this tale to life, telling how the country's first president tirelessly advocated for a capital on the shores of the Potomac. Washington envisioned and had a direct role in planning many aspects of the city that would house the young republic. In doing so, he created a landmark that gave the fledgling democracy credibility, united a fractious country, and created a sense of American identity.Although Washington died just months before the federal government's official relocation, his vision and influence live on in the city that bears his name.This little-known story of founding intrigue throws George Washington's political acumen into sharp relief and provides a historical lesson in leadership and consensus-building that remains relevant today. This book will fascinate anyone interested in the founding period, the American presidency, and the history of Washington, DC.

Preface Introduction: Framing Constitutional Contests in Large Cities James H. Svara and Douglas J. Watson Part I: Change from Council-Manager to Mayor-Council Form 2. St. Petersburg: Easing into a Strong-Mayor Government J. Edwin Benton, Donald C. Menzel, and Darryl Paulson 3. Spokane: Development Debate Sparks Government Debate Wendy L. Hassett 4. Hartford: Politics Trumps Professionalism. Wendy L. Hassett 5. Richmond: Implementation and Experience with Strong Mayor Form of Government Nelson Wikstrom 6. San Diego: Switch from Reform to Representative Glen W. Sparrow 7. Oakland: The Power of Celebrity? Explaining Strong-Mayor Charter Reform Megan Mullin Part II: Rejected change from Council-Manager to Mayor-Council Form 8. Kansas City: The Evolution of Council-Manager Government Kimberly Nelson and Curtis Wood 9. Grand Rapids: A Lack of Enthusiasm for Change in the Council-Manager Form Eric S. Zemmering 10. Dallas: The Survival of Council-Manager Government Karen M. Jarrell 11. Cincinnati: Charter Conflict and Consensus John T. Spence Part III: Change from Mayor-Council to Council-Manager 12. El Paso: Professionalism over Politics in the Shift to Council-Manager Government Larry Terry 13. Topeka: Council-Manager Redux Finding Balance in the Politics-Administration Dichotomy R. Paul Battaglio, Jr. Part IV: Rejected Change to Mayor-Council Form from Commission and Weak Mayor 14. St. Louis: Deja Vu All over Again: Charter Reform Fails Robert Cropf, Todd Swanstrom, and Scott Krummenacher 15. Portland: "Keep Portland Weird," Retaining the Commission Form of Government Doug Morgan, Masami Nishishiba, and Dan Vizzini 16. Conclusion: Distinct Factors and Common Themes in Change of Form Referenda James H. Svara and Douglas J. Watson List of Contributors Index