In the late 1880s, the future Democrat Senator of Nevada, Francis G. Newlands, and his partners acquired farmland in northwest D.C. and southern Montgomery County, Md. The objective was to develop a residential streetcar suburb for the nation's capital.
In 1888, Newlands and his partners created Rock Creek Railway and connected 18th Street with Connecticut Avenue, creating a bridge which would eventually become the Duke Ellington Bridge connecting Adams Morgan. In 1890, Newlands and his partners formed the Chevy Chase Land Co. to develop their then 1,700 acres. Between 1890 and 1892, the Land Co. extended Connecticut Avenue and the Railway up past the District line and into Maryland, thereby connecting the Cardoza/Shaw neighborhoods all the way out to where Columbia Country Club is now. The Rock Creek Railway fostered development along upper Connecticut Avenue, helping to spawn several northwest Washington, D.C., neighborhoods: Adams Morgan, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, North Cleveland Park, Forest Hills, and Chevy Chase (DC and Md). To supply the streetcars with electricity, the company dammed Coquelin Run, a small tributary of Rock Creek, just east of Connecticut Avenue and north of what is now East West Highway. The resulting Chevy Chase Lake supplied water for an electric generating plant. This was a critical lesson for the future Senator.
He served in the United States Senate from 1903 until his death in 1917. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping legislation related to irrigation, transportation, and conservation, leaving a lasting impact on the development of the American West and the nation as a whole. Here's a glimpse into the wonderful things Senator Newlands achieved during his 14 year tenure on the Hill:
Champion of Reclamation: He was instrumental in the passage of the Reclamation Act of 1902 and the Newlands Reclamation Project, bringing water to previously barren areas, enabling the growth of thriving communities and economies.. These were massive undertakings that helped the American West by building dams to support irrigation and thereby transforming vast stretches of desert into fertile farmland, boosting the agricultural industry and settlement there. It also created the Bureau of Reclamation.
Advocate for Transportation Infrastructure: Senator Newlands was a strong advocate for the expansion and improvement of transportation infrastructure, including railways and highways. This included the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916, which provided federal funding for construction of highways across the country. His efforts helped facilitate commerce and connectivity across the nation, laying the groundwork for future advancements in transportation.
Promoter of Conservation: Recognizing the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations, he supported policies aimed at preserving natural resources, including the establishment of national parks and forests. His advocacy helped shape early conservation policies and laid the groundwork for future environmental protection initiatives.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking adventure, may your journey be filled with discovery and appreciation for the remarkable achievements of this surprisingly distinguished statesman.