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APPENDIX: CAPITALS OF THE WORLD
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231 Appendix: Capitals of the World This study has identified 248 localities involved in the world capital competition to varying degrees, 202 as a result of actions by residents or officials with jurisdiction over the nominated communities. The scope of proposals indicates the previously unexplored public fascination with the prospect of creating a Capital of the World, evolving perceptions of the postwar world, and wide-ranging interaction between localities and world affairs. The world capital proposals in this list are coded as follows: (C) Campaigns—Sustained efforts characterized by activities such as repeated contact with the UN, formation of committees, and creation of publicity materials. (I) Invitations—Proposals from individuals or groups in authority, such as public officials or chambers of commerce. (S) Suggestions—Other proposals from individuals without authority. Abbreviations in parentheses indicate locations of sources. More extensive descriptions and documentation are available on the web site [capital-of-the-world.com]. Alaska Anchorage (S). The Anchorage Daily Times suggested that Anchorage could meet all of the UN’s needs as well as offer federal land and favorable business conditions. (SFC) Arizona Douglas (S). James L. Kennedy, private citizen, suggested Douglas as a central location on the “dividing line between the Spanish Republics and the English-speaking countries of the Western hemisphere” and “midway between the capital of China on the West, and the capital of U.S.S.R. on the East.” He also pointed out the climate, water supply, and access to rail transportation. (UNA) 232 Appendix: Capitals of the World Grand Canyon (S). Lee F. Jones of Pasadena, California, suggested a headquarters “within the depths of the Grand Canyon,” a site also favored by New Mexico governor John Dempsey. (HST, Associated Press) Arkansas Intersection of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma (S). An Oklahoma City man, Henry T. Miller, suggested creating “Roosevelt, I.D.” (International District) at this location. (HST) California Berkeley (I). Berkeley City Council argued that because of “close proximity to San Francisco, the birthplace of the United Nations charter, it would be exceedingly appropriate to have the [world] Capital situated in this City.” (UNA) Catalina Island (S). Suggested by Los Angeles resident Maria Wolters. (CSA) Crystal Springs (C). See chapter 9. Los Angeles (S). Although the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Chamber of Commerce endorsed San Francisco, locations in Los Angeles appeared among suggestions submitted to the UN and to Governor Earl Warren. (UNA, CSA) Marin County—San Pablo Bay (S). Suggested by a real estate agent in Berkeley, Calif., E. E. Webster. (CSA) Monterey Peninsula (S). S. F. B. Morse, president of Del Monte Properties Company, suggested Monterey for its climate, beauty, resort hotels, and central location one hundred miles from San Francisco. He also called attention to its historic role as a capital during Spanish and Mexican rule. UN site inspectors discussed the Monterey Peninsula but rejected it as too distant from San Francisco. (UNA, SFN) Moraga Valley/Contra Costa County (C). A campaign endorsed by the Contra Costa Supervisors called attention to large expanses of land in the valley as well as accessibility by highway from San Francisco, but site inspectors eliminated this East Bay site in favor of possibilities closer to San Francisco. (CHS, SFN) Palm Springs (I). The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce delivered an early invitation to President Roosevelt in March 1945. Additional interest emerged in connection with a plan to create a peace memorial called the “Tower of Civilization and World Unity.” (CSA) [3.215.79.206] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 09:37 GMT) Appendix: Capitals of the World 233 Palo Alto (S). Andrew Swanson, a resident of San Francisco, suggested a location close to Stanford University.(CSA) Pleasanton (S). The “old Hearst ranch” in Pleasanton, east of San Francisco, was suggested by the ranch manager, John A. Marshall. (CSA) “Redwood Empire” (I). The California Legislature proposed a headquarters in the “Redwood grove in the West’s Redwood Empire.” (CSA) San Francisco (C). See chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9. San Simeon (S). San Francisco resident Jerome Landfield suggested the Hearst Estate at San Simeon because of its magnificent buildings and available land. (CSA) Santa Barbara (S). Suggested by a private citizen, Mary M. Simpson. “Where is there a more cultural, educational atmosphere, wonderful climate , winter sports, beaches, etc., etc., than in Santa Barbara?” she asked in a letter to Governor Warren. (CSA) Santa Clara County (I). Board of Supervisors chairman C. P. Cooley invited consideration on the basis of climate and available sites...