Washington D.C. - National Symbols, Fun Facts, Photos, Visitor Info

"The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God Governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"

Founding Father

Samuel Adams

While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader."

Signer of Declaration of Independence

George Washington

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

Farewell Address

President

Official Symbols

Bird
Wood Thrush
Tree
Scarlet Oak
Flower
American Beauty Rose

Washington, District of Columbia
Capital of the Unites States of America: Washington, District of Columbia
Established: June 11, 1800		Nickname: D.C.
Origin of Name: The name Washington is in honor the first president of the USA, George Washington. The name Columbia honors Christopher Columbus.
Official Motto: Justia Omnibus (Justice for All)
Official Song: The Star-Spangled Banner
National Monuments: 7
Famous for: America's National capitol city, Presidential Monuments, War Memorials, Congressional Building, The White House, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Institute, the National Zoo, National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Air & Space Museum
Monuments, Animals, State Bird: Click on Photos to learn more about them.

DC Area Fairs and Festivals

DC National Parks & Monuments

DC Historic Sites

DC Parks

DC Attractons

Washington Capitals (NHL)

Washington Redskins (NFL)

Washington Wizards (NBA)

DC Virtual Tour

National Mall Virtual Tour

Smithsonian Museum Virtual Tours

National Zoo Virtual Tour

DC Homeschooling

Listen to Wood Thrush Song

DC Photo Gallery-1

DC Monument Gallery

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Gallery

DC Butterflies

RV Parks - Maryland

Virginia

DC Hotels

DC Restaurants & Reviews

Piscataway Native Americans lived in the Washington D.C. area.

The Residence Bill of July 16, 1790, established a site along the Potomac to be the capital. This federal district was first called the Territory of Columbia and the federal city the City of Washington. The name changed to the District of Columbia in 1793.

In 1790 the rivalry of Northern and Southern states for the capital's location ended when Jefferson's followers supported Hamilton's program for federal assumption of state debts in return for an agreement to situate the national capital on the banks of the Potomac River. George Washington selected the exact spot.

The “Federal City” was designed by Pierre L'Enfant and laid out by Andrew Ellicott. Construction began on the White House in 1792 and on the Capitol the following year.

John Adams was the first president to occupy the White House. Congress held its first session in Washington in 1800, and Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in the new capital.

In the War of 1812 the British sacked (1814) Washington, burning most of the public buildings, including the Capitol and the White House.

After 1901, Washington was developed on the basis of the resurrected L'Enfant plan—a gridiron arrangement of streets cut by diagonal avenues radiating from the Capitol and White House, with an elaborate system of parks.

Washington is the legislative, administrative, and judicial center of the United States but has little industry; its business is government, and hundreds of thousands are so employed in the metropolitan area. The city is also a major tourist attraction and a cultural center.

The design of Washington D.C.'s flag was based on the shield from George Washington's family's coat of arms.

The most popular museum in DC—and on the planet—is the National Air and Space Museum, which has had 219 million visitors in its first 25 years.

Marine One is the call sign used when the President is on board one of the HMX-1 Marine helicopters. The primary presidential helicopter is the Sikorsky VH-3D (Sea King).

DC has 715 libraries—only 118 fewer than New York City. Of adults 25 and older in DC, 42% have at least a bachelor's degree.

Washington, DC, is second only to the Silicon Valley, CA region in educational attainment.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, is one of the world's largest churches. Architecturally, it is notable as a combination of Romanesque and Byzantine styles.

D.C.'s daytime population is estimated at 982,853 -- an influx of over 410,000 workers into the city on a normal business day comprises a 72% increase of the capital's normal population.

D.C. Ethnic Roots: 32% Caucasion (mostly British), 58% African, 7% Hispanic (mostly Salvadoran), 3.6% Asian.

Religion in D.C.: 72% Christian (27% Catholic, 19% Baptist, 26% other Protestant churches), 13% No Religion, 4% Buddhist, 2% Muslim, and 1% Jewish.

The National Zoo is home to thousands of animals from all over the world. Admission is Free!

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving - Thanking God for His blessings

Thanksgiving Day November 28, 2024
In 1621, 52 Pilgrims and approx. 50 Native Americans celebrated a 3-day feast thanking God for His blessings enabling their survival in the New World. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November.

Advent

December 1, 2024
Advent begins 4 weeks before Christmas and remembers the longing and waiting of God's people for the coming of the Messiah.

Bill of Rights Day

December 15, 1791
Bill of Rights Day
Celebrating the 10 amendments to the Constitution which protect individual rights by placing specific limits on government power. These freedoms do not exist in many countries of the world.

Christmas Day

December 25th Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. This joyous festival is enjoyed by Christians and nonChristians alike all over the world.

Washington, District of Columbia