Washington, D.C. was founded as the capital in 1790 as a result of a compromise between Alexander Hamilton and northern states, and Thomas Jefferson and southern states. Southern Congressmen agreed to the plan in return for establishing the new national capital at their preferred site on the Potomac River. Individuals from two or more races made up 2.7% of the population. [245] A 2011 study by Walk Score found that Washington was the seventh-most walkable city in the country with 80% of residents living in neighborhoods that are not car dependent. [146] The district's gross state product in 2018-Q2 was $141 billion. [225] The number of students in DCPS steadily decreased for 39 years until 2009. [117] According to a study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, D.C. has experienced more "intense" gentrification than any other American city, with 40% of neighborhoods gentrified. The federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910 allows buildings that are no taller than the width of the adjacent street, plus 20 feet (6.1 m). Three major airports serve the district. [142], On June 26, 2008, the Supreme Court of the United States held in District of Columbia v. Heller that the city's 1976 handgun ban violated the right to keep and bear arms as protected under the Second Amendment. "April outlook: Winter be gone! (2016). How Many Countries Are Recognized By The United States. Updated as of April 6, 2020 at 2 p.m. Find the latest status of museums, attractions and eventsin and around Washington, DC during the coronavirus pandemic. The estimated population of 705,749 as of July 2019[update],[11] makes it the 20th-most populous city in the U.S. and gives it a population larger than that of two U.S. states: Wyoming and Vermont. [15], In his Federalist No. From 2008 to 2012, the district hosted an annual college football bowl game at RFK Stadium, called the Military Bowl. The district was the first city in the nation to undergo urban renewal projects as part of the "City Beautiful movement" in the early 1900s. The slogan on the back of vehicle licence plates registered in D.C. reads “Taxation without Representation.” [12] Commuters from the surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs raise the city's daytime population to more than one million during the workweek. [151], In December 2017, 25% of the employees in Washington, D.C., were employed by a federal governmental agency. [241] Following renovations in 2011, Union Station became Washington's primary intercity bus transit center. Washington D.C. is not in any state at all – instead, it is a federal district. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser testifies before a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on the District of Columbia statehood bill, March 22, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. [114] When the Washington area is included with Baltimore and its suburbs, the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan Area had a population exceeding 9.6 million residents in 2016, the fourth-largest combined statistical area in the country. The Northern states had not, and wanted the federal government to take over their outstanding liabilities. The district has a … The first approach is making D.C. the United States’ 51st State. However, the population balloons in the daytime as people residing in the neighboring states of Virginia and Maryland commute to Washington to work. [42][91] Washington's street grid was extended, where possible, throughout the district starting in 1888. The Washington Wizards (National Basketball Association) and the Washington Capitals (National Hockey League) play at the Capital One Arena in Chinatown. Private universities include American University (AU), the Catholic University of America (CUA), Gallaudet University, George Washington University (GW), Georgetown University (GU), Howard University (HU), the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and Trinity Washington University. Some members of Congress suggested moving the capital further west, but President Ulysses S. Grant refused to consider such a proposal. Formed from land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia, the initial shape of the federal district was a square measuring 10 miles (16 km) on each side, totaling 100 square miles (259 km2). [249][250] The district is part of the regional Capital Bikeshare program. Hourly. A 2010 study found that 5 percent of city blocks accounted for more than 25% of the district's total crimes. The states of Virginia and Maryland donated the area from which the capital city was established. Democrats call it fixing systemic inequality that is critical to achieving racial justice. The label Dischord Records, formed by Ian MacKaye, frontman of Fugazi, was one of the most crucial independent labels in the genesis of 1980s punk and eventually indie rock in the 1990s. cities. The delegate is, however, allowed to introduce bills and participate during debates. Washington is also home to two major annual marathon races: the Marine Corps Marathon, which is held every autumn, and the Rock 'n' Roll USA Marathon held in the spring. List of colleges and universities in Washington, D.C. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, Index of Washington, D.C.–related articles, "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: District of Columbia", "Introduction: Where Oh Where Should the Capital Be? Another popular local daily is The Washington Times, the city's second general interest broadsheet and also an influential paper in conservative political circles. Think Again", "Comparison of Federally Owned Land with Total Acreage of States", "U.S. National Arboretum History and Mission", "World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "D.C.-area forecast: Temperatures seesaw this week between mild and cool, while extreme winter weather stays away", "Severe Storm Warnings, Tornado Watches Expire", "Where Snowzilla fits into D.C.'s top 10 snowstorms", "The Washington and Jefferson Snowstorm of 1772", "Bulk of Flooding Expected in Old Town, Washington Harbour", "WMO Climate Normals for WASHINGTON DC/NATIONAL ARPT VA 1961–1990", What Climate Change Means for the District of Columbia, "Washington, D.C. shatters all-time June record high, sizzles to 104", The first freeze is coming Saturday and, for most of the D.C. area, it's historically late. [172] Other private museums in Washington include the Newseum, the O Street Museum, the International Spy Museum, the National Geographic Society Museum, and the Museum of the Bible. Belmont–Paul Women's Equality National Monument, Japanese American Patriotism During World War II, Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Boundary markers of the original District of Columbia, Women in Military Service for America Memorial, National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial, National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission. [212], The district has a federally funded "Emergency Planning and Security Fund" to cover security related to visits by foreign leaders and diplomats, presidential inaugurations, protests, and terrorism concerns. [181], The U Street Corridor in Northwest D.C., known as "Washington's Black Broadway", is home to institutions like the Howard Theatre, Bohemian Caverns, and the Lincoln Theatre, which hosted music legends such as Washington-native Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. President George Washington, after whom the city is named, is credited for the establishment of the city. [37] The flag of Washington, D.C., was adopted in 1938 and is a variation on George Washington's family coat of arms.[206]. Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. [176] American march composer and Washington-native John Philip Sousa led the Marine Band from 1880 until 1892. Many residents see the lack of representation of Washington D.C. as unjust since the residents are still subjected to federal taxation. It is Amtrak's second-busiest station with 4.6 million passengers annually and is the southern terminus for the Northeast Corridor and Acela Express routes. Congress maintains supreme authority over the city and may overturn local laws. Washington has a strong local theater tradition. The Act also effectively ended voting representation of residents of D.C. who were originally represented in Senate either as Maryland or Virginia residents. First half of month looks warmer than average", "Washington, DC - Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast", "Map 1: The L'Enfant Plan for Washington", "Residential Architecture of Washington, D.C., and Its Suburbs", "Population of the 100 Largest Cities and Other Urban Places in the United States: 1790 to 1990", "Demographic Characteristics of the District and Metro Area", "District of Columbia—Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990", "D.C. population soars past 600,000 for first time in years", "Population Change for Places With Populations of 50,000 or More in the United States and Puerto Rico: 2000 to 2010", "D.C.'s Population Grows 79 Percent Every Workday, Outpacing Other Cities", "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016", "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016—United States—Combined Statistical Area; and for Puerto Rico", "Number of black D.C. residents plummets as majority status slips away", "Selected Social Characteristics in the United States", "The World in a Zip Code: Greater Washington, D.C. as a New Region of Immigration", "District of Columbia Census Snapshot: 2010", "D.C. begins licensing same-sex marriages", "Study Finds One-third in D.C. [166] The Smithsonian's locations had a combined total of 30 million visits in 2013. [62] This factor contributed to Washington, D.C., being ranked as third in the nation for park access and quality in the 2018 ParkScore ranking of the park systems of the 100 most populous cities in the United States, according to the nonprofit Trust for Public Land. [44] What became known as the McMillan Plan was finalized in 1901 and included re-landscaping the Capitol grounds and the National Mall, clearing slums, and establishing a new citywide park system. [104], The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the district's population was 705,749 as of July 2019, an increase of more than 100,000 people since the 2010 United States Census. By 1790, the Southern states had largely repaid their overseas debts from the Revolutionary War. [58] The geographic center of Washington is near the intersection of 4th and L Streets NW. Grieser, Justin; Livingston, Ian (November 8, 2017). It is not part of any state. Election of the Attorney General", "Building the Best Capital City in the World", "District of Columbia Structural Imbalance and Management Issues", "Poor Management, Federal Rule, Undermine Services", "Congress creates board to oversee Washington, D.C.", "After 10 years, D.C. control board is gone but not forgotten", "Trump's July Fourth event and weekend protests bankrupted D.C. security fund, mayor says", "Individuals Living or Working in U.S. [173], Washington, D.C., is a national center for the arts. [202], Each of the city's eight wards elects a single member of the council and residents elect four at-large members to represent the district as a whole. The Kennedy Center Honors are awarded each year to those in the performing arts who have contributed greatly to the cultural life of the United States. Metropolitan areas have +150,000 according to source at the time estimated. Washington, D.C., is 38 miles (61 km) from Baltimore, 124 miles (200 km) from Philadelphia and 227 miles (365 km) from New York City. The Marine Corps Marathon began in 1976 and is sometimes called "The People's Marathon" because it is the largest marathon that does not offer prize money to participants.[190]. [94], By the early 20th century, L'Enfant's vision of a grand national capital had become marred by slums and randomly placed buildings, including a railroad station on the National Mall. When looking at geographical lists, sometimes you will find Washington D.C. listed under "D" for "District of Columbia." Now that Democrats control both chambers of Congress and the White House, advocates of making Washington, D.C., the 51st state believe they are … [54] The creek also formed a portion of the now-filled Washington City Canal, which allowed passage through the city to the Anacostia River from 1815 until the 1850s. Go to vaccinate.dc.gov or call 1-855-363-0333 to pre-register and then help us spread the word. List of parochial and private schools in Washington, D.C. District of Columbia Public Charter School Board. 43, published January 23, 1788, James Madison argued that the new federal government would need authority over a national capital to provide for its own maintenance and safety. [125] Half of residents had at least a four-year college degree in 2006. [170] The National Building Museum, which occupies the former Pension Building near Judiciary Square, was chartered by Congress and hosts exhibits on architecture, urban planning, and design. In 1791, Congress amended the Residence Act to approve the new site, including territory ceded by Virginia. This is due in part to city programs that help provide insurance to low-income individuals who do not qualify for other types of coverage. Description: This map shows where Washington, D.C. is located on the U.S. Map. Those opposed to making D.C. a state claim such a move would destroy the notion of a separate national capital and that statehood would unfairly grant Senate representation to a single city.[219]. The exact location was to be selected by President George Washington, who signed the bill into law on July 16. [27][28], Congress passed the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 which officially organized the district and placed the entire territory under the exclusive control of the federal government. A formal process has never been initiated that would result in Washington D.C. having voting representation in the Senate. [171], There are many private art museums in the District of Columbia, which house major collections and exhibits open to the public such as the National Museum of Women in the Arts and The Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle, the first museum of modern art in the United States. House Democrats are poised to approve Washington, D.C., becoming the nation's 51st state in a historic vote scheduled for Friday. D.C. United (Major League Soccer) plays at Audi Field. states. [226] DCPS has one of the highest-cost, yet lowest-performing school systems in the country, in terms of both infrastructure and student achievement. The city officially became under the direct control of the federal government after the adoption of the Organic Act of 1801. [149] In 2016, at $160,472, its GDP per capita is almost three times as high as that of Massachusetts, which was ranked second in the nation. Washington, D.C., has fifteen official sister city agreements. Conflicts with European colonists and neighboring tribes forced the relocation of the Piscataway people, some of whom established a new settlement in 1699 near Point of Rocks, Maryland. [136] The murder rate has since risen from that historic low, though it remains close to half the rate of the early 2000s. Legislation to make D.C. the 51st state was approved by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform Wednesday, teeing up the bill’s expected passage in … Washington, D.C. founded after the American Revolution, Washington was named for George Washington… 16. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com, The 10 Tallest Peaks in the US State of Washington. Nonetheless, Washington D.C. residents can vote during Presidential elections, with the District having a long history of supporting Democratic presidential candidates. [149] As of 2011[update], the Washington Metropolitan Area had an unemployment rate of 6.2%; the second-lowest rate among the 49 largest metro areas in the nation. Neighborhoods Also Jumping With Robberies", "District of Columbia Crime Rates 1960–2010", "Supreme Court Strikes Down D.C. Ban on Handguns", "D.C. Attorney General: All Guns Must Be Registered", "U.S. Park Police Authority and Jurisdiction", "Per capita real GDP by state (chained 2009 dollars)", "Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release", "Regional and State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release", District of Columbia Wage and Salary Employment by Industry and Place of Work 2017, "Wage and Salary Employment by Industry and Place of Work", "Some Cities Will Be Safer in a Recession", "Amazon's Grand Search For 2nd Headquarters Ends With Split: NYC And D.C. Why is Washington, D.C. Called the District of Columbia? By 2012, the city's network of marked bicycle lanes covered 56 miles (90 km) of streets. Washington is home to many national monuments and museums, primarily situated on or around the National Mall. President Washington was responsible for the choice of the exact location of the city, which he specified to be on the Potomac River. [231] The District of Columbia Public Library operates 25 neighborhood locations including the landmark Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.[232]. [246] In 2013, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the eighth lowest percentage of workers who commuted by private automobile (75.7 percent), with 8 percent of area workers traveling via rail transit. [30], On August 24–25, 1814, in a raid known as the Burning of Washington, British forces invaded the capital during the War of 1812. [216] Efforts to raise awareness about the issue have included campaigns by grassroots organizations and featuring the city's unofficial motto, "Taxation Without Representation", on D.C. vehicle license plates. [237], The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the Washington Metro, the city's rapid transit system, as well as Metrobus. [95] Despite popular belief, no law has ever limited buildings to the height of the United States Capitol Building or the 555-foot (169 m) Washington Monument,[61] which remains the district's tallest structure. In 1791, President Washington commissioned Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant, a French-born architect and city planner, to design the new capital. [213], The district is not a state and therefore has no voting representation in Congress. [126][127] However, 19% of residents were below the poverty level in 2005, higher than any state except Mississippi. [91], By law, Washington's skyline is low and sprawling. Major international flights arrive and depart from Dulles International Airport, 26.3 miles (42.3 km) west of the district in Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. [174] The historic Ford's Theatre, site of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, continues to operate as a functioning performance space as well as a museum. Article One, Section Eight of the United States Constitution grants the United States Congress "exclusive jurisdiction" over the city.