Reavis created a plan to disassemble the building into blocks, transport them by train to Missouri, and then reconstruct it in St. Louis. Same deal with the White House and several other federal buildings. You might think it would be easier to construct new buildings in St. Louis from scratch, but continuity was important when it came to selling people on the move.
Other reasons for shifting the capital included the mosquitos that infested D.C., the humidity there, and how St. Louis was a more major city with over twice the population. In 1868, the plan actually made it to a vote in the House. It lost, but not by that much—77 voted for it, and 97 voted against it. People in St. Louis who owned a lot of real estate cursed the missed opportunity to see the value of their land soar, while others in St. Louis sighed in relief knowing that they’d be spared an influx of politicians.
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The Plan To Move The White House And Capitol To St. Louis (By Train)
Source: Pinoy Daily News
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