As the most important public space in the United States, the Mall in Washington, DC, has been a vital emblem of national spirit and ideals ever since Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant first envisioned it over 200 years ago. Although the Mall has undergone numerous changes since its conception, it has retained centrality within the life of the capital and has emerged as an essential symbol of American national identity and an influential model of city planning worldwide. Featuring 14 essays by prominent historians, architects, and leaders of some of Washington, DC's most important institutions, this volume explores the Mall's origins and growth, as well as the shifting political forces and cultural values that have shaped it. Over 140 illustrations help to tell the story of the site, including vintage maps, prints and drawings, in addition to numerous contemporary documentary and historical photographs. This edition features a new introduction discussing developments on the Mall since the first edition was published in 1991.