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The history of Washington, D.C. dates back to 1790 when Congress authorized a permanent federal capital made up of lands ceded from Virginia and Maryland. In 1800 the seat of government was transferred from Philadelphia to Washington and President John Adams became the first resident of the White House. During the War of 1812, the British burned both the White House and much of the capital. Today, Washington, D.C. covers approximately 68 square miles having given back roughly 31 square miles to Virginia in 1846. An elected mayor and a 13-member council govern the citizens of D.C. - the first elected municipal government in more than a century. The district also has one non-voting member in the House of Representatives and continues to pursue statehood.
Many of the most famous attractions in Washington, D.C. can be found in the middle of the district’s diverse neighborhoods. Nestled next to the U.S. Capitol grounds, Capitol Hill is a 19th Century neighborhood replete with unique museums, the historic Eastern Market and the restored Union Station. Dupont Circle is known for its magnificent white marble Dupont Memorial Fountain and annual Walk Weekend, where the 10 Dupont Kalorama Museum Consortium museums offer free admission and special activities for all ages. Fort Stevens Battleground National Military Cemetery and the National Museum of Health and Medicine can be found along busy Georgia Avenue. Of course, like the hub of wheel, all roads in Washington, D.C. seem to lead to the Washington Monument. This towering monolith symbolically guards the heart of the free world and the millions of people who live, work or visit our nation’s capital. |
