Why did Maryland give land for DC?

by luckymissj27

Why did Maryland vote to cede 100 square miles to the federal government to create Washington D.C. in 1791? What was in it for Maryland? Are there any sources available?

schwap23

I would be interested to compare what Maryland got with what Virginia got. My high school course on this is a hazy memory, but I know that the entire 100 square miles was taken out of both states, Virginia already had a decent sized settlement there (Alexandria) and that Virginia took their portion back later. There has GOT to be some wheeling and dealing taking place there though!