What did surprise me, prior to coming here, was learning how many iconic American landmarks—including Congress Hall, the President’s House, Monticello, Fraunces Tavern, and Ford’s Theatre—have either been slated for destruction in the interest of commercial development or come irreparably close to utter ruin due to apathy and neglect. The President’s House actually was torn down, and the other buildings would have been razed or condemned if preservationists hadn’t jumped to their defense.
