Washington DC

Established in 1790 and named after the first American president, George Washington, Washington, DC is the capital of the United States. During its construction, the city of Philadelphia was the active capital for 10 years.http://www.ushistory.org/presidentshouse/history/briefhistory.htm Located on the banks of the Potomac River and bordered by the states of Virginia and Maryland, Washington, DC houses all three branches of the U.S. government and is home to the White House.http://washington.org/about-washington-dc

As the nation's capital, Washington, DC has a long history and many touristic and historic sites of interest for visitors. Monuments honoring past presidents and other American heroes, history and art museums, as well as gardens and parks are strewn across the river-filled landscape.

In 1790 with the passing of The Residence Bill, a site along the Potomac River was established as the nation's capital. The land was surveyed by Andrew Ellicott with the help of Benjamin Banneker, who through astronomical calculations laid stones in mile increments outlining the city's boundaries. Originally separated into the federal district called the Territory of Columbia and the federal city called The City of Washington, the name was changed to The District of Columbia in 1793.http://about.dc.gov/facts.asp

The design of the city was commissioned by George Washington who selected Pierre Charles L'Enfant, a French-born architect and engineer, as the designer. A competition was held separately for the design of the city's main building, The White House. Nine proposals were submitted, the winner being Irish-born architect James Hoban. The cornerstone for the White House was laid in 1792, but much of the city was burned to the ground when British forces invaded during the War of 1812. A period of reconstruction followed. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/history

Because of its location on the Potomac, and its inclusion of two port towns, Georgetown and Alexandria, Washington, DC was envisioned not only as the seat of government but a commercial center as well. It became a shipping location for tobacco and wheat in the 19th century.http://washington.org/about-washington-dc

George Washington's original request for a city no larger than 10 square miles would not hold. As the military prowess of the United States grew, so did the population and size of government and the boundaries of Washington, DC were extended. The first areas of the city to flourish were those around Capitol Hill, Downtown and Lafayette Square. Once public transportation was extended in the later 19th century, suburbs would develop and Washington, DC's residential population would grow as well. Over time, many more residential areas, monuments, natural attractions and government buildings would be added to the city landscape.http://washington.org/about-washington-dc

Washington, DC is a relatively small area, covering just over 68 square miles and ranges in altitude from 40-410 feet above sea level. Located on the Potomac River, Washington D.C. is situated between the Blue Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is naturally divided by the Anacostia River and Rock Creek.http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-South/Washington-D-C-Geography-and-Climate.html

Washington, DC is home to hundreds of monuments, landmarks and tours available for viewing. Below are a few of the attractions you can find in the nation's capital.

During its conception in the 18th century, Major Pierre L'Enfant, at the behest of President George Washington, was commissioned to design a city plan for Washington, DC. One of his original ideas for the area was the inclusion of a national place of worship. It wasn't until 1907 that the first stone was laid and construction for the National Cathedral began. After nearly 83 years of ongoing construction and additions, the church was finally finished in 1990.http://www.nationalcathedral.org/about/timeline.shtml

Situated on the Potomac, Mount Vernon was granted to John Washington in 1674, George Washington's great grandfather. Passed down to Lawrence, Washington's older half-brother, the estate was eventually inherited by Washington at the death of his brother's widow in 1761 and was his home for 45 years. The estate encompasses over 8,000 acres and was originally divided into 5 working farms, including the Mansion House Farm, where he lived with his family. http://www.mountvernon.org/learn/explore_mv/index.cfm/ss/27/

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is dedicated to the history and culture of the nation and its peoples. With exhibitions ranging from the American Revolution, the Civil War, history of American jazz and even the style/fashion of the First Ladies, this museum covers the broad spectrum of topics and movements that have defined the United States.http://americanhistory.si.edu/about/mission.cfm

By 1941, the U.S. War Department numbered more than 24,000 employees, with a projected increase to 30,000 the following year. At the behest of Brigadier General Brehon B. Somervell, a new building to house the nation's intelligence and military personnel was to be designed. Plans were quickly finalized and construction of the Pentagon began just before the U.S. entered World War II.http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/history.html

Washington, DC is home to the three-time Superbowl champions NFL's Redskins.http://www.redskins.com/ Also home to the NHL's Washington Capitals, NBA's Washington Wizards, MLB's Washington Nationals and the WNBA's Washington Mystics.

Actors

• Goldie Hawn
• Samuel L. Jackson
• William Hurt
• Katherine Heigl
• Rip Taylor

Athletes

• Dave Batista
• Delonte West
• Pete Sampras
• Jonathan Ogden
• Tim Legler

Musical Artists

• Marvin Gaye
• Johnny Gill
• Dave Grohl
• Peter Tork

For more information please see: Washington, DC Vacation, Washington, DC Hotels, Washington, DC Restaurants, and Washington, DC Tours.