Washington, D.C.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: District of Columbia

Inception: July 16, 1790

Elevation above the sea: 72 m

Part of: contiguous United States, Mid-Atlantic, Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division

Shares border with: Arlington County, Alexandria, Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, Bethesda, Silver Spring

Address: Washington, DC, USA

Website: https://dc.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.89504,-77.03654

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:52