I must say that I've been following this discussion on the origins of
"the mall" in Washington, D.C. and would like to suggest that the
person interested may wish to investigate any work done on Pierre
Charles L'Enfant.
I have yet to see his name brought up in this debate, but it was he who
was contracted to design the federal city.  He was originally an
engineer in the French army but became filled with enthusiasm for the
American Revolutionary cause.  He came to America and joined the
Continental Army, was highly regarded by Washington, and rose to the
rank of major by the end of the war.  His plans for the city were
completed in 1791.  They called for wide avenues and large tracts of
land to be set aside for the creation of parks and gardens.  It is
within this framework that I believe one will find the nature of the
origins of "the mall."  I regret, however, that at the moment I am
unable to recall any particular monographs that deal directly with this
topic.  Perhaps since there seems to be little information on the
subject, it would be a fruitful area to research further.
Paul Boyer did write a book on urban design and social reform, and his
examination does begin in the early republic.  But I don't remember if
it goes back that far.

Good Luck!  I hope this meager input proves useful.

Raymond J. Moneta
Graduate Student
Kent State University

Humanities & Social
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