Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., also known as the District of Columbia, since 1800 has been the capital of the United States. [1] Legally the name of the city is "District of Columbia". [2] [3]
Design
Pierre L'Enfant, appointed in 1791 by George Washington, designed much of the city, including the city's interesting quadrant formation. The city is divided into four quadrants, which meet at a central point at the United States Capitol. The Northwest quadrant is by far the largest, and locations in this quadrant include the White House, Ford's Theater (where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865), the National Zoo, and a number of the Smithsonian Museums. L'Enfant was fired over a dispute involving Thomas Jefferson before the city's design was completed.[4] In 1814, the British army attacked the city as a part of the War of 1812 and burned a number of public buildings in the city, including the White House. First Lady Dolly Madison famously saved a portrait of George Washington from the White House before the building was burned.[5] The city is located along the Potomac River. The Anacostia River branches off this, and runs through parts of the Southeast and Northeast Quadrants. This river has had problems with pollution.
Washington, D.C. is served by the Metrorail subway system.
Symbols
Some official symbols are:
- Motto: "Justia Omnibus" - Justice for All
- Song: The Star-Spangled Banner
- Bird: Wood thrush
- Flower: American beauty rose
- Tree: Scarlet Oak
See also
External links
- What's hot in Washington, DC.
- Tours Official website of the Government of the District of Columbia.
- Cultural Tourism DC. Local History.
- District of Columbia