Introduction

When Richard Milhous Nixon was sworn in as the 37th president of the United States on January 20, 1969, Washington still had the feel of a southern city in a number of ways. People and business proceeded at a leisurely pace. Traffic jams were few and far between except on M Street, in fashionable Georgetown. Azaleas, dogwoods, and redbuds in profusion brought splotches of bright colors in spring, and the shadow of oak trees lining quiet streets provided welcome relief during the hot summers. Washingtonians dressed conservatively: Dark suits and white shirts were de riguer for men, and women wore dresses of subdued colors or buttoned-up blouses with skirts. Pant suits for ladies were yet to come. Courtesy in traffic and in the street was expected; loud voices were not appreciated. Cultural activities were limited, though the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, under construction, to be opened in September 1971, foreshadowed change. Tall structures were absent, the building code preventing national monuments from being dwarfed. New buildings were generally unimaginatively boxy and without frills, with the exception of the Watergate complex, completed in March 1967, which included luxury apartments, fancy shops, and a five-star hotel that introduced a daring curvy style with large balconies and shark-tooth adornments and that was destined to play a defining role in American history.