Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., officially called the District of Columbia, is the capital city of the United States. It is located on the Potomac River, with Virginia on one side and Maryland on the other. The city was named after George Washington, the first president of the country, and is not part of any state—it belongs to a special area called the federal district.

The U.S. Constitution set up Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capital, and leaders chose its spot along the Potomac River in 1790. Important buildings such as the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court Building are here, where leaders make decisions for the whole country.

The city has many famous monuments and museums, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, that people visit from all over the world. It also holds offices for many countries and international groups, making it a key place in world affairs. With lots of history and important buildings, Washington, D.C., plays a central role in American life.

History

Main article: History of Washington, D.C.

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., was built on land that was home to the Algonquian-speaking Piscataway people near the Potomac River. After Europeans arrived and settled the area in the 1600s, conflicts with nearby tribes changed the land's history.

The city became the nation’s capital in 1790. Leaders chose this spot because it was a central location and could be controlled by the federal government. President George Washington picked the exact place, and construction began there. The city was named after him, and the district was called Columbia, after the poet’s name for the United States.

During the War of 1812, British forces burned many important buildings, including the White House and the Capitol. The buildings were repaired, and the city grew over time. In the 1860s, slavery ended in the district, and the city saw many changes as the country grew.

In the 1960s, after a sad event involving a leader named Martin Luther King Jr., some people in the city faced difficult times. Later, the district gained more control over its own laws and leaders. Today, people in Washington, D.C., continue to discuss whether the district should become a full state.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is found on the U.S. East Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region. It covers 68.34 square miles, with most of it being land and a smaller part being water. The city borders Maryland on the north and east and Virginia on the west and south, with the Potomac River forming part of the border with Virginia. The Anacostia River and Rock Creek are important water paths in the area.

Washington has many parks and green spaces. It has 683 parks covering about 7,464 acres, which is around 20% of the city. This means most people live within a short walk to a park. Some well-known parks include Rock Creek Park, which is one of the oldest national parks in the country, and the National Mall and Memorial Parks, where many important monuments are located. The city also has many smaller parks and gardens all over.

Cityscape

See also: Streets and highways of Washington, D.C.; Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.; and List of tallest buildings in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. was designed as a planned city. In 1791, President George Washington asked Pierre Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer, to create a plan for the city. L'Enfant’s design included wide streets and open spaces, with a grand avenue now known as the National Mall. Later, another surveyor finished the plans, but L'Enfant is still credited with the city’s overall layout.

By law, buildings in Washington, D.C. cannot be too tall. This rule helps keep the city’s sky open and gives it a special look. The city is divided into four parts, each with its own streets and addresses. Many famous places, like the White House and the Capitol, are easy to find because of this organized street system. The city also has many different types of buildings, from old-style designs to modern ones, making it interesting to explore.

Architecture

Main articles: Architecture of Washington, D.C. and List of tallest buildings in the Washington metropolitan area

Washington, D.C. has many beautiful buildings. Some of the most loved structures include the White House, Washington National Cathedral, and the United States Capitol. These buildings show off styles like neoclassical and Gothic, with big columns and domes.

Many government buildings look like ancient Roman and Greek temples, with stone walls and large entrances. Other buildings have different styles, like the modern National Museum of African American History and Culture or the old Old Post Office. The city also has unique places like the Watergate complex and the fancy CityCenterDC area, where you can find stylish shops and restaurants.

• Selection of neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

  Anacostia

[Bloomingdale](/wiki/Bloomingdale_\(Washington,_D.C.\))

[Capitol Hill](/wiki/Capitol_Hill)

[Chinatown](/wiki/Chinatown_\(Washington,_D.C.\))

• _(cropped).jpg)

  Columbia Heights

[Dupont Circle](/wiki/Dupont_Circle)

• .jpg)

  Edgewood

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  Logan Circle

[Navy Yard](/wiki/Navy_Yard_\(Washington,_D.C.\))

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Census Bureau says that Washington, D.C. had about 705,749 people living there in 2019. This is more than 100,000 people than in 2010, marking growth after many years of fewer people living in the city. In 2010, Washington was the 24th most populated place in the United States. When people who come to work or visit during the day are counted, the population goes above one million. If Washington were a state, it would be the 49th most populated, just ahead of Vermont and Wyoming.

The area around Washington, including nearby towns and cities, is very large. It is the sixth largest area in the United States, with about six million people. When you also include the area around Baltimore, the total is over 9.8 million people, making it the third largest area in the country.

Washington has many different kinds of people. In 2020, about 41% of the people were Black or African American, and almost 40% were White. There were also many people from Asia, and smaller groups from many other places. Many people in Washington came from countries such as El Salvador, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Guatemala.

The city has many places where people of different religions meet and worship. These include big churches, a large mosque, synagogues, and temples. Washington is home to important religious buildings such as Washington National Cathedral and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is the largest Catholic church building in the United States.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Washington metropolitan area

Washington, D.C. has a strong and varied economy. Many people work in professional services, tourism, entertainment, and government jobs. The area has one of the highest incomes in the country, with many people earning good wages.

The federal government employs many people in Washington, D.C. Many other workers are in companies that help or work with the government in different ways. The city is also a big place for research groups that study important issues, like international peace and public policy. There are also many non-profit groups that work on global and local problems. Tourism is very important to the city's economy, with millions of visitors each year coming to see famous monuments, museums, and other attractions.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a national center for the arts, with many concert halls and theaters. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts groups like the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, and the Washington Ballet. Each year, the Kennedy Center Honors celebrate people who have greatly added to the United States' cultural life.

The historic Ford's Theatre continues to operate as both a theater and a museum. The Marine Barracks near Capitol Hill houses the United States Marine Band, the country's oldest professional musical group. Arena Stage, founded in 1950, helped grow the city's theater scene, which now includes many well-known companies.

Washington, D.C. is also rich in music and food. It is famous for its jazz history and its own music style called go-go. The city has many restaurants offering foods from around the world, including Ethiopian cuisine in the Shaw neighborhood. Popular local foods include the half-smoke sausage and mumbo sauce.

The city is home to many famous museums. The National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art are among the most visited in the country. The Smithsonian Institution runs most of the city's museums, which are free to the public. Other museums include the National Gallery of Art, the National Building Museum, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The National Mall is a large park that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the United States Capitol. It hosts many events, including concerts and fireworks shows. The Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial are popular spots, as is the Tidal Basin, famous for its cherry blossoms each spring. Other landmarks include the Old Post Office, the Washington National Cathedral, and the Library of Congress, the world's largest library.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is home to several famous sports teams. The Washington Nationals are a popular baseball team that plays in Nationals Park. The Washington Commanders are a football team that plays nearby in Landover, Maryland. Other teams include the Washington Wizards for basketball, the Washington Capitals for hockey, and the Washington Mystics for women’s basketball. These teams have won many championships over the years.

The city also has teams for soccer, rugby, tennis, and more. Two big marathons, the Marine Corps Marathon and the Rock 'n' Roll USA Marathon, are held here every year. College teams from local universities also bring excitement to the sports scene in Washington, D.C.

City government

Main article: Government of the District of Columbia

Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States. It is managed by a mayor and a council, but Congress can still change local laws. The city has eight areas, called wards, each with its own representative on the council. People also elect four members to represent the whole city. There are smaller groups called Advisory Neighborhood Commissions that give advice on local issues.

The city celebrates special days, like Emancipation Day, which marks the end of slavery in the district. It also has its own flag, inspired by George Washington’s family coat of arms. Washington, D.C. works with other cities around the world as sister cities and hosts many foreign embassies, especially along a street called Embassy Row.

Federal voting rights

See also: District of Columbia voting rights; Political party strength in Washington, D.C.; and District of Columbia federal voting rights

Washington, D.C. is not a state, so its people do not have full voting rights in Congress. They can elect someone to the House of Representatives who can help with discussions and suggest new laws, but this person cannot vote on final decisions. D.C. also does not have anyone in the United States Senate.

Even though D.C. is not a state, its people pay federal taxes, just like people living in states do. Many Americans did not realize that D.C. residents have less say in Congress than people living in the 50 states. Some people believe D.C. should have full voting rights in Congress.

The people of Washington, D.C. gained the right to vote for the president in 1961 through a special change called the 23rd Amendment. This gave them three votes in the Electoral College, the same as the smallest state.

Education

See also: District of Columbia Public Schools and List of parochial and private schools in Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) runs 123 public schools in Washington, D.C. In the 2010–11 school year, about 46,000 students attended these schools. The system has faced challenges, leading to changes such as closing some schools and updating teaching methods.

The city also has many other school options. There are 52 public charter schools and 92 private schools, offering different choices for families. For higher education, Washington, D.C. is home to several well-known universities, including the University of the District of Columbia, American University, Gallaudet University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Howard University.

See also: List of colleges and universities in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. has many libraries, including the Library of Congress, which serves as the research library for the United States Congress and holds many important collections. The District of Columbia Public Library operates 26 locations, including the famous Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill has the world's largest collection of materials about William Shakespeare.

Media

Main article: Media in Washington, D.C.

See also: List of newspapers in Washington, D.C.; List of films set in Washington, D.C.; and List of television shows set in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a key place for news and media in the United States. The Washington Post, started in 1877, is the city's most popular daily newspaper and one of the most important in the country. The city is also home to two local radio stations, WAMU and WETA, that many people listen to.

Other newspapers in the city include The Washington Times, Washington City Paper, and The Atlantic. There are also many smaller papers that focus on different communities and topics, such as Washington Blade, Metro Weekly, and Congressional Quarterly. The area is also a big spot for television, with many channels and companies based there.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. has many ways to get around, including streets, highways, biking paths, walking areas, bridges, trains, buses, and airports. The city has over 1,500 miles of streets and highways, but some planned highways were not built. This helped make public transportation very popular—about 37% of people use it to get to work.

Cycling is easy in D.C., with over 100 miles of bike lanes, including protected paths. The city also has a bike-sharing program with thousands of bikes at many stations. Walking is also popular, especially in neighborhoods like U Street, Dupont Circle, and Mount Vernon Square.

There are many bridges crossing the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, such as the Arlington Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Washington Metro is a busy subway system with six lines and almost 100 stations, helping people travel quickly. Union Station is a major train hub, connecting D.C. to cities up and down the East Coast.

Buses are another key part of transportation, with Metrobus serving hundreds of thousands of riders each day. There are also special buses for tourists and visitors. Three big airports serve the area, though they are not inside the city. These airports connect D.C. to many places around the world.

Utilities

The city gets its water from the Potomac River through the Washington Aqueduct, which stores and treats the water in several reservoirs. An electric company called Pepco provides power to the area, with most wires buried underground to keep the historic parts of the city looking nice. Natural gas is supplied by Washington Gas to homes and businesses in D.C. and nearby areas.

Crime and police

Main article: Crime in Washington, D.C.

See also: List of law enforcement agencies in the District of Columbia

Washington, D.C. has faced challenges with safety over the years. In the early 1990s, the city saw a lot of serious crimes, but these numbers have changed over time. By 2012, serious crimes had dropped to their lowest level in many years. Even though there were some increases later, by 2024, serious crimes were again at some of the lowest levels seen in over a decade.

The city has many police groups working to keep people safe, including the Metropolitan Police Department and federal agencies like the U.S. Park Police. Special rules allow the president to help manage safety in very serious situations.