Incidental Architect

In Incidental Architect, Gordon S. Brown explores the intellectual and cultural landscape of late 18th-century Washington, D.C., through the lives of William and Anna Maria Thornton. Arriving in the burgeoning capital in 1794, the Thorntons brought with them the principles of the Scottish Enlightenment and a love for the arts, helping to shape the city's cultural institutions amidst its political development. Brown details how their aspirations and contributions mirrored the growth of Washington as a vibrant urban center, highlighting the emergence of theaters, libraries, and other venues that fostered a rich cultural environment.