Peter Force

Peter Force. He was an American printer, archivist, and historian whose monumental editorial work preserved a vast collection of foundational United States documents. As a prominent figure in Washington, D.C., he also served as the city's mayor and was deeply involved in its civic development. His life's work, particularly the multi-volume series American Archives, remains an indispensable resource for scholars of the American Revolution and early national period.

Early life and career

Peter Force was born in 1790 near Passaic Falls in Essex County, New Jersey. He moved to New York City as a young man, where he apprenticed as a printer and later served with distinction in the War of 1812, seeing action in the Battle of Sacket's Harbor. After the war, he established himself in the printing trade in New York, where he published works like the National Journal. In 1820, he married Ann M. Force and soon after relocated to Washington, D.C., where he purchased the newspaper the National Intelligencer, a leading political journal of the era. His printing firm became highly successful, securing lucrative contracts for official government publications, including the proceedings of Congress.

American Archives and historical work

Force's most enduring contribution was his ambitious project to compile and publish the documentary history of the American colonies and the early republic. Commissioned by Congress in 1833, he began work on the American Archives, a massive collection intended to span from the colonial era through the ratification of the Constitution. He traveled extensively, gathering manuscripts from private collections, state archives, and institutions like the Library of Congress. Although only nine series volumes covering 1774-1776 were published, they contain thousands of pamphlets, letters, and proceedings from bodies like the Continental Congress and events like the Battles of Lexington and Concord. His personal library, one of the finest collections of Americana in the nation, was later purchased by the federal government and formed a core part of the Library of Congress holdings.

Political and public service

Parallel to his scholarly pursuits, Force was an active participant in the civic life of the national capital. He served as an Alderman for Washington, D.C., and was elected as the city's mayor in 1836, serving a two-year term. During his tenure, he focused on municipal improvements and infrastructure. He was also a founding member and president of the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, a precursor to the Smithsonian Institution. His political connections, including relationships with figures like John Quincy Adams and James Madison, aided both his historical research and his public initiatives. He remained a respected voice in Washington affairs for decades, advocating for the city's development and its role as the nation's center of government and learning.

Later life and legacy

In his later years, Force faced financial difficulties, partly due to the immense personal cost of his historical projects after government funding ceased. Despite this, he continued his research and writing. His vast personal collection of historical documents and books was sold to Congress in 1867 for $100,000, providing crucial support in his final years. He died in Washington, D.C. in 1868 and was buried in Congressional Cemetery. Force's legacy is that of a pioneering preservationist; his American Archives provided the foundational model for later documentary projects like the Papers of Thomas Jefferson. The Peter Force Library at the Library of Congress stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to safeguarding the nation's historical record for future generations.

Selected publications

* American Archives: A Documentary History of the English Colonies in North America (9 vols., 1837-1853) * Tracts and Other Papers Relating to the Colonies in North America (4 vols., 1836-1846) * The Declaration of Independence: Or Notes on Lord Mahon's History (1855) * Various almanacs and municipal registers for Washington, D.C.

Category:1790 births Category:1868 deaths Category:American historians Category:American printers Category:Mayors of Washington, D.C.