Washington D.C

Introduction

Washington D.C is the capital of the United States of America. It is one of the most significant cities in the world as the home of the U.S. government.

About 20 million tourists visit Washington D.C on a daily basis. The city is home to the White house, the federal seats of United States government as well as several other important organizations. It is the 20th most populous city in the United States.

Foundations of the city

The abbreviation for D.C is District of Columbia. Washington was named after the first President of United States, George Washington.

It became the capital of U.S. soon after the Revolutionary War. It was founded in 1791 and envisioned by the Founding Fathers of the country.

The city is officially not a part of any state in its capacity as a capital. It is a federal district as well as the U.S. capital. All three branches of the federal government including the Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court of United States are centered in Washington.

Many historical museums and monuments are also located in this historic city.

During the War of 1812

In 1812, British forces attacked the U.S. capital as a part of the War of 1812. During the attack, the British troops torched the White House, the Capitol, and the Treasury building. Many other monuments and buildings were also put to fire.

A windstorm accompanied by rain soon came afterwards, preventing much of the damage. The White House was repaired soon afterwards. However, the Capitol building would undergo extensive reconstruction.

During the American Civil War

In 1861, American Civil War broke out. President Lincoln signed Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862. This Act was limited to the District of Columbia.

Almost 3100 enslaved person were freed thanks to this act. The population of the capital increased as a result.

During the war, Lincoln ordered that construction work in Washington D.C. be continued. When Lincoln was later assassinated, millions flocked to the White House to see his coffin.

Architecture of Washington DC

The architecture of Washington D.C is steeped in history and classic traditions.

It is a chief attraction for tourists around the world. Many of the top ten most popular pieces of architecture in America are located in the District of Columbia.

White House

Lincoln Memorial

United States Capitol

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Washington National Cathedral

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Importance of Washington DC

Washington D.C. is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is also home to the most powerful government and President in the world. The name of the city reflects the origins of the nation and its Founding Father, George Washington.

The architecture through the city also contains many Masonic symbols, a reminder of the influence of the Freemasonry on the Founding Fathers of United States. The city is also among the largest in the world, with its boundaries encompassing around 68 square miles of area.