DC Square and Checkmate
"DC Square" most likely refers to the "Make DC Square Again" proposal (or Act), a recent political idea to restore Washington, D.C.'s original boundaries as a perfect 10-mile square.
Background
The U.S. Constitution and the Residence Act of 1790 called for a federal district "not exceeding ten miles square" (100 square miles). George Washington helped survey it as a diamond-shaped square (rotated 45 degrees) straddling the Potomac River, with land from Maryland and Virginia.
In 1846, Virginia's portion (including what is now Arlington County and the City of Alexandria) was retroceded back to Virginia via an act of Congress, mainly due to concerns over slavery and economic issues. This left modern D.C. as a non-square shape on the Virginia side.
The Current Proposal
In April 2026, Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) introduced the "Make DC Square Again Act". It aims to repeal the 1846 retrocession and return Arlington and Alexandria to D.C., restoring the original square boundaries.
Key arguments from supporters:
- Restores the Founders' vision and fixes an allegedly unconstitutional retrocession.
- Addresses political imbalances (e.g., Northern Virginia's growth influencing elections).
- Would make D.C. a full 10-mile square again.
Criticism:
- Seen as a partisan move to shift Democratic-leaning areas (with many federal workers) out of Virginia.
- Major legal, political, and practical hurdles (state consent, representation changes, etc.).
This has sparked debate in Congress and media, tying into broader D.C. statehood, representation, and boundary discussions.
