“The Crescent Hotel was conceived as a romantic place, living up to its name, and the events that took place there were also romantic in their own way. If anything, they served as a visible manifestation of the historical and almost heroic sentiments that somehow coexist with commercial interests in the old cities of the east coast of the United States. The hotel was originally a semi-circular building in classical style, recreating the atmosphere of the 18th century, where men like Washington and Jefferson appeared even more staunch Republicans due to their aristocratic class. Travelers, faced with the inevitable question about their impressions of our city, were expected to answer specifically what they thought of our “Crescent.” Even the contrasts that violated the original harmony testified to its longevity...”