Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Washington, D.C.

1. Washington, D.C., was established as the capital of the United States in 1790.
2. The "D.C." stands for District of Columbia, a federal district not part of any state.
3. The Washington Monument is the tallest structure in the city at 555 feet.
4. It is home to the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex.
5. The city is divided into four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast.
6. There are no skyscrapers in D.C.—buildings cannot be taller than the Capitol Building.
7. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with over 170 million items.
8. Washington, D.C., is home to the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are displayed.
9. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
10. The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin were a gift from Japan in 1912.
11. More than 20 million people visit Washington, D.C., annually.
12. Georgetown, one of D.C.'s oldest neighborhoods, dates back to 1751.
13. The Pentagon, located just outside D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.
14. Washington, D.C., has its own flag, featuring three red stars and two red bars on a white background.
15. The Washington Nationals won their first World Series in 2019, bringing baseball glory to the city.

Geography of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is located on the Potomac River, bordered by Maryland and Virginia. Key geographical features include:

• Highest Point: Point Reno in Fort Reno Park (409 feet).
• Lowest Point: Potomac River (Sea Level).
• Land Area: 68.34 square miles, making it one of the smallest federal capitals in the world.

A Brief History of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is steeped in U.S. history:

• Founded in 1790, the city was designed by French architect Pierre L'Enfant.
• It was named after George Washington, the first U.S. president.
• The British burned much of the city, including the White House, during the War of 1812.
• The 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, took place on the National Mall.

Top 10 Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

1. Tour the White House (advance reservations required).
2. Visit the U.S. Capitol and take a guided tour.
3. Explore the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.
4. Take a photo at the Lincoln Memorial.
5. Walk along the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season.
6. Pay your respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
7. Stroll through the historic streets of Georgetown.
8. See the pandas at the National Zoo (part of the Smithsonian).
9. Experience the nightlife on U Street, known for its jazz history.
10. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and reflect on his legacy.

Top 10 Destinations in Washington, D.C.

1. The White House
2. U.S. Capitol
3. Smithsonian Institution
4. Lincoln Memorial
5. National Mall

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Washington, D.C., visit the official tourism site: Washington.org