By WILL WEISSERT
Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump believes that history supports his vision. He aims to create a grand arch close to the Lincoln Memorial and contends that the capital has wanted such a monument for over 200 years – even mentioning that four eagle statues were put in place for this project before it was halted by the Civil War. “It was interrupted by a thing called the Civil War, and so it never got built,” Trump said aboard Air Force One as he flew to Florida last weekend. “Then, they almost built something in 1902, but it never happened.” However, Trump’s historical account is inaccurate – the eagles he mentions are actually part of a bridge connecting Virginia and Washington that was constructed long after the Civil War ended. The nearest Washington came to having an arch was a temporary wood and plaster structure built in 1919 to celebrate the conclusion of World War I. “For 200 years they’ve wanted to build an arc,” Trump said, meaning an arch. “They have 57 cities throughout the world that have them. We’re the only major city – Washington, D. C. – that doesn’t.” Chandra Manning, a history professor at Georgetown University, explained that during the 19th century, Washington was still growing, facing housing shortages and lacking boarding houses for visitors while dealing with incomplete roads and an unfinished U. S. Capitol. “Washington coming into the Civil War was still this unfinished city,” Manning said. “There’s no push for decorative memorialization in Antebellum Washington because it’s still such a place that doesn’t even have all the functional buildings it needs yet.” Trump has used similar historical arguments for his $400 million ballroom project after demolishing part of the White House’s East Wing – claiming officials have sought a large event space for over 150 years. This assertion is questionable too. While there has indeed been ongoing demand for space at the White House, there’s no documented public call for a ballroom. Yet Trump uses similar reasoning to support his idea for an arch. “I think it will be the most beautiful in the world,” he said. ‘Biggest one of all’ The proposed arch would be located near Arlington Memorial Bridge, which crosses over the Potomac River. Trump first presented this concept at an October gathering for top donors regarding his ballroom project. Without revealing how much funding would be needed or who would finance it or if he’d seek approval from planning authorities, he showcased three different designs of arches with Lady Liberty atop each model. The president admitted then that he favored the largest version; The Washington Post noted he’s considering building an arch reaching up to 250 feet (76 meters). When asked about its height aboard Air Force One, Trump didn’t confirm specifics but stated: “I’d like it to be the biggest one of all.” “We’re setting up a committee, and the committee is going to be going over it,” Trump said. “It’ll be substantial.” The president envisions this new monument reflecting elements of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, which honors those who fought in France during both the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. However, that monument stands just 50 meters (164 feet) tall. A proposed 250-foot Washington arch would overshadow both Lincoln Memorial and White House while also competing with Capitol Hill’s height of 288 feet (88 meters). The completed arch would contribute to a construction boom initiated by Trump himself; eager to leverage his background as a former New York builder to leave behind physical marks on his presidency. Apart from his ballroom plans, Trump is shutting down Kennedy Center for two years due to renovations amidst criticism from artists regarding changes he’s made at this premier performing arts venue across America. He replaced grass in Rose Garden with patio-like areas resembling his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida while redecorating both Lincoln Bathroom and Palm Room within White House’s interior spaces. Additionally, he’s created a Walk of Fame featuring portraits of previous presidents along Colonnade alongside towering flag poles on north and south lawns plus added golden embellishments including cherubs within extensively renovated Oval Office space. The proposed arch could extend Trump’s impact further into D. C., where he’s expressed intentions towards enhancing “tired” grassy spots alongside fixing broken signage plus street medians while utilizing National Guard assistance against homeless encampments.
Harrison Design-local firm-is working on this initiative without any announced construction start date; however Trump aims its unveiling aligned with celebrations honoring America’s upcoming 250th birthday! The bridge actually came after the Civil War
Pressed on what Trump meant by the four eagles..
.. more than enough time since Congress approved $6 million appropriation backing out plan together when installed..
Manning insisted upon noting..
Source link
Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump believes that history supports his vision. He aims to create a grand arch close to the Lincoln Memorial and contends that the capital has wanted such a monument for over 200 years – even mentioning that four eagle statues were put in place for this project before it was halted by the Civil War. “It was interrupted by a thing called the Civil War, and so it never got built,” Trump said aboard Air Force One as he flew to Florida last weekend. “Then, they almost built something in 1902, but it never happened.” However, Trump’s historical account is inaccurate – the eagles he mentions are actually part of a bridge connecting Virginia and Washington that was constructed long after the Civil War ended. The nearest Washington came to having an arch was a temporary wood and plaster structure built in 1919 to celebrate the conclusion of World War I. “For 200 years they’ve wanted to build an arc,” Trump said, meaning an arch. “They have 57 cities throughout the world that have them. We’re the only major city – Washington, D. C. – that doesn’t.” Chandra Manning, a history professor at Georgetown University, explained that during the 19th century, Washington was still growing, facing housing shortages and lacking boarding houses for visitors while dealing with incomplete roads and an unfinished U. S. Capitol. “Washington coming into the Civil War was still this unfinished city,” Manning said. “There’s no push for decorative memorialization in Antebellum Washington because it’s still such a place that doesn’t even have all the functional buildings it needs yet.” Trump has used similar historical arguments for his $400 million ballroom project after demolishing part of the White House’s East Wing – claiming officials have sought a large event space for over 150 years. This assertion is questionable too. While there has indeed been ongoing demand for space at the White House, there’s no documented public call for a ballroom. Yet Trump uses similar reasoning to support his idea for an arch. “I think it will be the most beautiful in the world,” he said. ‘Biggest one of all’ The proposed arch would be located near Arlington Memorial Bridge, which crosses over the Potomac River. Trump first presented this concept at an October gathering for top donors regarding his ballroom project. Without revealing how much funding would be needed or who would finance it or if he’d seek approval from planning authorities, he showcased three different designs of arches with Lady Liberty atop each model. The president admitted then that he favored the largest version; The Washington Post noted he’s considering building an arch reaching up to 250 feet (76 meters). When asked about its height aboard Air Force One, Trump didn’t confirm specifics but stated: “I’d like it to be the biggest one of all.” “We’re setting up a committee, and the committee is going to be going over it,” Trump said. “It’ll be substantial.” The president envisions this new monument reflecting elements of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, which honors those who fought in France during both the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. However, that monument stands just 50 meters (164 feet) tall. A proposed 250-foot Washington arch would overshadow both Lincoln Memorial and White House while also competing with Capitol Hill’s height of 288 feet (88 meters). The completed arch would contribute to a construction boom initiated by Trump himself; eager to leverage his background as a former New York builder to leave behind physical marks on his presidency. Apart from his ballroom plans, Trump is shutting down Kennedy Center for two years due to renovations amidst criticism from artists regarding changes he’s made at this premier performing arts venue across America. He replaced grass in Rose Garden with patio-like areas resembling his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida while redecorating both Lincoln Bathroom and Palm Room within White House’s interior spaces. Additionally, he’s created a Walk of Fame featuring portraits of previous presidents along Colonnade alongside towering flag poles on north and south lawns plus added golden embellishments including cherubs within extensively renovated Oval Office space. The proposed arch could extend Trump’s impact further into D. C., where he’s expressed intentions towards enhancing “tired” grassy spots alongside fixing broken signage plus street medians while utilizing National Guard assistance against homeless encampments.
Harrison Design-local firm-is working on this initiative without any announced construction start date; however Trump aims its unveiling aligned with celebrations honoring America’s upcoming 250th birthday! The bridge actually came after the Civil War
Pressed on what Trump meant by the four eagles..
.. more than enough time since Congress approved $6 million appropriation backing out plan together when installed..
Manning insisted upon noting..
Source link
