Open Seating

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson wanted to make a point. The new British Ambassador had just come to Washington - the representative of the aristocratic government the new Republic had defeated in the War of Independence, and the Empire Jefferson still loathed. A few days after Ambassador Merry arrived, Jefferson hosted a reception dinner for him.

When it was time for dinner, everyone walked into the dining room - and all the guests were surprised to see a single, very large round table in the dining room. Jefferson took a seat and gave Dolly Madison the seat of honor on his…