© 2026 KNAU Arizona Public Radio
Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Service to KNAG 90.3 Grand Canyon is restored. Thank you for your patience and support.

Arizona Public Radio continues to integrate new audio software while addressing remaining glitches. We appreciate your patience and support and will update when all issues are fully resolved.

Pierre L'enfant designed the look of the U.S. capital but died in obscurity

By Rebecca Rosman
Published January 26, 2026 at 3:00 AM MST

Pierre L'Enfant was a lowly French engineer when he met George Washington at Valley Forge. Washington recruited him to make the design for the nation's new capital city. L'Enfant made the plans, but his personality was so abrasive, he was pushed out of the project.

Copyright 2026 NPR
Rebecca Rosman
[Copyright 2024 NPR]