Our Visual Heritage
Foundational Principles, Enduring Landscapes
Curated Views
From the ink of our founding to the majesty of our public lands, this gallery connects the past with the present.
Washington's Farewell Letter
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective Constitutional spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the Powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.
George Washington
Documenting Our Shared Legacy
1787
Founding Documents
300+
Preserved Texts
2M+
Acres Represented
Deepen Your Understanding
Access high-resolution document scans and comprehensive study guides to explore the foundational principles.