Washington, D.C., Federal capital on the Potomac River, United States.
Description
The federal district covers 68 square miles (177 square kilometers) divided into four quadrants radiating from the Capitol Building, featuring wide avenues lined with neoclassical government structures, memorials, and parks along the Potomac River waterfront.
History
Congress established the seat of government in 1790, selecting French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant to design a planned city on territory ceded by Maryland and Virginia, with the government relocating from Philadelphia in 1800.
Culture
Around 20 million visitors tour the three branches of federal government annually, observing American democracy in action through Capitol tours, Supreme Court sessions, and White House grounds access.
Practical
Six Metro rail lines and more than 1500 bus routes provide public transportation throughout the district, with most museums and monuments offering free admission daily except December 25th, though advance timed entry passes are required for several sites.
Did you know?
The district's license plates display the phrase "Taxation Without Representation," referencing residents' lack of voting representation in Congress despite paying all federal taxes and serving in the military.
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Washington DC, the capital of the United States, houses the three branches of federal government and the nation's most significant political institutions. The White House serves as the presidential residence, while the Capitol building hosts Congress and the Supreme Court represents the judicial...
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United States Supreme Court Building
2.8 km
White House
305 m
The Pentagon
3.1 km
United States Capitol
2.4 km
Washington Monument
629 m
Arlington National Cemetery
3.6 km
Library of Congress
2.8 km
Number One Observatory Circle
4 km
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
3.7 km
Lincoln Memorial
1.3 km
Resolute desk
267 m
Oval Office
273 m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
1.1 km
Washington National Cathedral
4.9 km
National Mall
1.3 km
National Archives and Records Administration
1.2 km
National Air and Space Museum
1.6 km
National Gallery of Art
1.5 km
Sidwell Friends School
5.9 km
Watergate complex
1.6 km
Capitol Hill
3.2 km
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
679 m
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
8.9 km
Executive Residence
308 m
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
5.3 km
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
361 m
Jefferson Memorial
1.5 km
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
1.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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