Washington, D.C. Designed in 1791 by the French architect Major Pierre-Charles L'Enfant, Washington was the world's first planned capital. Washington, D.C. is not a state, but rather the combination of the District of Columbia, and Washington - the capital city of the United States of America. In essence, they are one in the same, and they coexist. Established by congressional acts and personally selected by George Washington, the District of Columbia, commonly referred to as "the District" (shown in white), is the seat of the U.S. federal government. Within its borders sits the massive Capital Building, the White House and literally hundreds of federal buildings, monuments and office complexes. Originally a 10 mile square, with Maryland and Virginia granting land on each side of the river to the federal government, its shape has changed slightly over the years, as Virginia's lands were returned in 1846. Integral parts of "the District," namely Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon and Ronald Reagan Airport are located across the Potomac River in the Virginia county of Arlington, and they, along with others, remain part of the sprawling District of Columbia's metropolitan area. From its celebrated history and symbols of patriotism, to its many public and private attractions and buildings, the Washington, D.C. area is one of America's most visited sites. Learn more about it here!

Facts and Figures Currency U.S. Dollar (conversion rates) here Language English (official) Lat/Long 39º 91' N, 77º 02' W Origin of Name The City of Washington was named in honor of George Washington, America's first president. The District of Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus. Population 571,000 Flag and Symbols Flag here Flower American Beauty Rose Motto "Justitia Omnibus" (Justice to all) Nicknames "The District" Song Star-Spangled Banner USA Flag and Symbols here Land Statistics Area 68 sq miles (Land) 61 sq. miles (Water) 7 sq. miles Bordering States (2) Maryland and Virginia Highest Point Tenleytown, 410 ft Lowest Point 1 ft, on Potomac River Geographic Center Near 4th and L Streets, NW Landforms The central part of Washington, D.C is mostly flat, rising gradually from the banks of the Potomac River, to be eventually surrounded by low hills in the north, and rolling land in the south. The Anacostia River branches off of the Potomac, and runs through its eastern edge. Landforms of North America here Rivers of North America here Government Info U.S. President George W. Bush (R) U.S. House of Representatives here U.S. Senate here White House web site Famous Natives "A mostly random selection" Pearl Bailey singer Billy Eckstine singer Duke Ellington composer, musician Richard Stoddert Ewell american soldier Robert H. McNeil photographer Jelly Roll Morton musician Is someone missing? Submit your famous person here! e-mail this page to a friend by entering an e-mail address Posters and Prints of Washington, D.C. USA States Africa | Antarctica | Arctic | Asia Australia/Oceania | Caribbean | Central America Europe | Islands of the World | Middle East North America | South America World Atlas | WIN $100 here Contact Us | Privacy Statement Copyrighted by Graphic Maps All rights reserved! All maps and graphics created by Graphic Maps, unless otherwise noted, and use of same for any application whatsoever (with the exception of outline maps) requires written permission. Every effort is made to be as accurate as possible when disseminating information on any worldwide destination. We are not responsible for unintentional data entry errors or omissions. If you would like to submit an addition, change or correction, please forward it to our map department and we will give it our immediate attention.

Links and Maps Capital Grounds map District of Columbia web site Kennedy Center here Library of Congress here National Archives here Smithsonian Institution web site Washington, D.C. official web site Washington, D.C. Hotels & Maps here Washington, D.C. Embassies here Webcam, Eye on Washington here Washington Post Newspaper web site CUSTOM MAPS created here U.S. Maps (large selection) here Name the States & Capitol Cities a test here Time, Weather and more Area Codes here Time and Date in Washington, D.C. Times across the USA here Climate Washington, D.C. experiences the four seasons of the northern hemisphere; Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. The weather is generally mild. Spring, early summer and fall are the most comfortable seasons, with high temperatures in the low 80s, and lows in the 60s. Late summer tends to be hot and humid. Winters can be moderate, but cold conditions with significant snow is not uncommon. Current Weather Conditions in: Timeline of History (1600) Piscataway American Indians live in area (1790) A bill passes to locate a new capital along the Potomac River. George Washington picks the site (1791) French architect Major Pierre-Charles L'Enfant submits his design (1793) Cornerstone of the capital building laid by George Washington (1800) The federal government officially moves to Washington, D.C. (1812) British burn the city during the War of 1812 (1824) The Marquis de Lafayette is the first foreign dignitary to address the congress (1862) Slavery is abolished in Washington, D.C. (1865) President Abraham Lincoln assassinated (1881) President James Garfield dies, the victim of an assassination in a Washington rail station (1888) Washington Monument opens (1914) The Lincoln Memorial is completed (1943) Jefferson Memorial is completed (1953) The complete restoration of the While House is finished (1973) Washingtonians are given the right to vote for their mayor and city council (1990) Washington Mayor Marion Barry received jail sentence for cocaine possession (1992) House approves statehood for D.C., but Senate does not (2001) Terrorist attack the Pentagon Traveler Information Attractions (a few major) all memorials, National Gallery of Art, the Pentagon, U.S. Capital Building, White House and more Frankly, this list could go on and on, so we recommend the web sites shown below. Electricity 110/120V, 60Hz Times to Travel Washington is a great destination at anytime of the year, especially for families and history buffs. Attractions and Memorials web site Capital Building web site Hiking Trails web site Washington, D.C. Tourism web site Washington, D.C. Historic Tours web site Washington D.C. Accommodation For hotels all around Washington D.C. here! Roadside America An online guide to offbeat attractions, and more here U.S. National Park Service web site Visas United States entry requirements are the same in all states, with most foreign travelers requiring a visa. There are exceptions as Canadian citizens only need proof of that citizenship. Travelers coming to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less from qualified countries may be eligible to visit the U.S. without a visa. Currently, 26 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Visitors entering on the Visa Waiver Pilot Program cannot work or study while in the U.S. and cannot stay longer than 90 days or change their status to another category. For the latest information, including required documentation, any interested party should apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence.

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