The Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C. Inaugural City Map of 1905
The Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C. Inaugural City Map of 1905
Experience Washington, D.C. at the dawn of the 20th century with this detailed 1905 city map created during the era of grand presidential inaugurations and rapid urban maturation. Produced by M. I. Weller, this map presents the nation’s capital not as a battlefield or plan, but as a functioning civic organism—fully laid out, administratively organized, and symbolically unified as the permanent seat of American government.
Historical Context
By 1905, Washington had emerged from its 19th-century growing pains into a recognizable modern capital. The McMillan Plan had recently reshaped the National Mall, federal power was increasingly centralized, and presidential inaugurations had become major national events requiring extensive civic coordination. This map was created in conjunction with Theodore Roosevelt’s second inauguration and reflects the logistical, ceremonial, and administrative needs of a capital preparing to host the federal government, foreign dignitaries, and tens of thousands of visitors.
The Map’s Features
This city map shows Washington divided into its four quadrants—NW, NE, SW, and SE—with a precise street grid, block numbers, radial distances, and major civic landmarks clearly identified. It includes the locations of the “Committee on Public Comfort” and the “Inaugural Committee,” highlighting how the city organized transportation, public services, and crowd management for inauguration day. Surrounding tables list every U.S. presidential inauguration up to 1905, provide a directory of inaugural officials, and document street widths throughout the city. The U.S. coat of arms at the top reinforces the map’s ceremonial and national character.
Historical Significance
Unlike earlier Washington maps focused on aspiration or defense, this map captures the capital as a fully operational seat of government. It reflects a moment when Washington was no longer provisional or symbolic, but firmly established as the administrative heart of the United States. For historians and collectors, it offers rare insight into how the city functioned during one of its most visible civic rituals—presidential inauguration—while also serving as a practical reference for navigating early 20th-century Washington.
Museum-Quality Reproduction
This is a high-quality reproduction of the original 1905 city map, professionally printed using museum-grade methods and materials to preserve the fine linework, dense annotations, and period typography of this important civic document.
Perfect For:
• Washington, D.C. residents and history enthusiasts
• Collectors of presidential and inaugural memorabilia
• Students of urban planning and civic administration
• Offices, libraries, and study spaces
• Gifts for those with ties to the nation’s capital
Specifications:
• Created / Published: c.1905
• Cartographer: M. I. Weller
• Publisher: Norris Peters Co.
• Style: Early 20th-century civic and administrative city map
• Product Type: High-Quality Reproduction Print
Dimensions (Width x Height): 18.4 x 20
Each map is printed using the finest materials and methods. Your map will be handled with white gloves from start to finish. We use the Giclée printing method on Hahnemühle paper, which produces a clear, extremely detailed, durable map that is perfect to be proudly displayed in your home or office.
Digital watermark does not appear on your purchased map.
