Designed by William Thornton, the Federal-style mansion was to be the winter home of Virginia planter and statesman John Tyloe III and, when built, it was the largest and most-stylish home in the new capital city.
Mr. Tyloe was born September 1771 at Mt. Airy plantation overlooking the Rappahannock River in Virginia. He was educated in England and returned to Virginia and oversaw family ventures and was active in the local militia and the Army's Light Dragoons. He was considered one of Virginia's wealthiest men and inherited the plantation.
But, it was very isolated and after considering building in several cities, decided on the new federal capital in the District of Columbia.
In April 1797, he paid $1,000 for a lot at the corner of New York Avenue and 18th Street. He wanted a home large enough to accomodate his large family (15 children), a large staff of servants and for his wife's entertaining. The home's strange dimensions came about because of an acute angle created by the lot's diagonal orientation with New York Avenue and it had a slope as well. This created quite a challenge.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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