Where do you live in DC? #8

Where do we live in D.C.?

Well, it turns out that we don't live in D.C.

Apparently, we live in a place called Mexico.  No joke.

Long ago, in the mid-1700's, before the United States were independent and before anyone conceived of the District of Columbia along the banks of the Potomac, there were large plantations here. 

One of the plantations was located just east of Georgetown.  The plantation was owned by Robert Peter, a Scottish-born merchant and land speculator living in Georgetown.  For some unknown reason, he called his plantation "Mexico".   

In the upper left portion of the 1792 map above, "Mexico" is located between Georgetown and Hamburgh (a German settlement) .

One writer speculated:  "Perhaps the doughty Scottish merchant had made a killing with free-booting that involved Spanish crown galleons headed for Mexico.  Rich Mexican trade was a favorite prey of American merchant ships such as those plying the ocean from the Georgetown port in those days."

"Mexico" encompasses the modern D.C. neighborhoods of Foggy Bottom and the West End (where we live).  The location of our building is indicated by the red arrow.

Robert Peter was fortunate in his land speculation.  During his lifetime, his land became part of the new District of Columbia and its value undoubtedly increased.  Robert Peter also had some good connections.  His son Thomas Peter married Martha Custis, the step-granddaughter of George Washington.  

Who knew there was a "Mexican" in George Washington's family tree?