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President Washington joins in a procession
President Washington joins in a procession to lay the Capitol cornerstone in a Masonic ceremony, 1793.
Grand Lodge of Virginia AF & AM Library, Museum and Historical Foundation Allen E. Roberts Masonic Library and Museum
![President Washington joins in a procession](/congress115th/20190111083105im_/https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/sites/default/files/styles/zoom_image_thumbnails/public/images/timeline-photos/G0031_alt_1.jpeg?itok=Zy9VWhqE)
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Images of the Era: 1789-1815
During its first quarter century, the new United States government had to find its way in the world while attending to the nation’s business. Leaders met with Indian nations and faced often-hostile relations with European powers while coping with conflicts between emerging political parties and working out relationships among the three new branches of government.