District of Columbia - Quick Facts, History & Geography
District of Columbia Quick Facts
Home to the Capitol Building, the White House and the Supreme Court the District of Columbia is located on the east coast of the United States. The district is not a state, but is the capital of the United States and known as a federal district. It was established in 1790 as an area specifically created to house the government. D.C. is home to the world's largest museum - The Smithsonian Institution. It holds multiple museums, galleries and is also a research complex. It is also home to multiple international institutions like the Organization of American States, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The Washington National Cathedral took 83 years to build. The District of Columbia is named after Christopher Columbus. The District of Columbia covers only 68.34 miles. Famous people born in D.C include Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Alyson Hannigan, Goldie Hawn, Chris Cornell, Dave Chappelle and Katherine Heigl.
A Rich History of Events In D.C.
In the earliest days, multiple North American tribes settled on the lands including the Piscataway and the Nacotchtank. Explorer Joh Smith was the first to arrive in the region back in 1608, but it wasn't until later in the 17th century that the first permanent settlements were established. The history of the District of Columbia goes back to George Washington, who chose D.C. to have the honor of being the nation's capital. The district would include land from both Virginia and Maryland as was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant. In 1814, during the war of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, British forces set fire to several government buildings, including the White House and the Capitol. They city was slowly rebuilt in the years that followed. In 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in D.C., and the district became a hub fo the Union Army and a center for refugees and freed slaves. The district also played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement as it would host historic events like the March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr. would also deliver his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. In recent decades, the district has seen a rise in population and economic growth as the area has been rejuvenated.
District of Columbia Geography
The District of Columbia is very small, with only 68 square miles of land area. Just over 10% of that is covered by water. However, it is one of the most densely population areas in all of the United States with a population density of more than 11,000 people per square mile. The Potomac River flows along the western and southern boundaries of the district. It serves as a natural border between Washington, D.C. and the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia. The district is very flat with a maximum elevation of just 410 feet in Tenleytown.
District of Columbia Relocation Guide
In Washington, D.C., there are many different opportunities for everyone. The attractions are many, depending upon your tastes. For the locals who have come to city for business opportunities, the bar scene is vibrant and there are many restaurants to enjoy, as well. Looking at a map of D.C., you will see that it's quite compartmentalized, with little communities having their own feel. As for businesses in the area, one might not be surprised to learn that many of them are government related or they are designed to service individuals working within the government.
In the early 90's, it was common for people to refer to Washington as the crime capital of the United States. Perhaps it's time for a new nickname as the crime rate in D.C. has decreased by nearly 50% since then. Having said that, crime in D.C. is still higher than the national average. Today, Washington is growing by leaps and bounds and the economic opportunities there remain strong, despite the recent downturn. Jobs are competitive, since many people want to move in the city. The nice thing about D.C. is that the public transportation system is one of the best in the world, with buses connecting people to different areas there. Lots of people use public transportation in Washington as a cost cutting measure. Cutting costs is somewhat important, since housing prices and cost of living are very high. Many townhomes are available throughout the city, but they come at a high cost in a good area.
