Pierre Charles L’Enfant

Pierre Charles L'Enfant (1754-1825), a French architect and urban planner who became a naturalized American citizen, emigrated to America in 1777 to fight in the Revolution. After distinguished service, he became known for transforming New York's City Hall into Federal Hall. In 1791, he was tasked with designing the new federal capital, Washington D.C. However, conflicts with the oversight commission led to his dismissal in 1792. L'Enfant died in poverty in 1825 without receiving compensation for his project.