District of Columbia ( ) Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States. It is also one of the country's most beautiful and historic cities and the site of many of its most popular tourist attractions. These include the White House, where the President lives and works; the United States Capitol, where the Congress meets; the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and other historic structures; as well as a wide range of museums which together house an enormous collection of items from America's past. Although New York City and Philadelphia each served briefly as the capital of the United States, in 1790, Congress chose the District of Columbia as the permanent seat of government. George Washington helped select the site for the city. Situated on the Potomac River, Washington, D.C., was originally carved out of land transferred from Maryland and Virginia. French-born American engineer, architect, and urban designer Pierre-Charles L'Enfant designed the city's basic plan, which features wide avenues radiating from the Capitol building through a grid of streets with numerous circles and parks. The name District of Columbia honors Christopher Columbus, and the city's better-known name of Washington, honors the first president. Congress first met in Washington in 1800, although construction of the first phase of the Capitol was not completed until 1826. Today, millions come to Washington, D.C. each year to see the Capitol, the White House, the Library of Congress, and the city's many museums and monuments. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in District of Columbia include: Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Meloni, Goldie Hawn, Alyson Hannigan, The Flag of District of Columbia Established in 1791; flag adopted in 1938. The personal arms of George Washington form the District flag. It has no historical relationship to the Stars and Stripes, despite the similarity of design.   Largest Cities in the State   Business and Trade in District of Columbia Agriculture: Industries: State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Flower: Tree: Song(s): Motto: District of Columbia Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • National Mall - Washington • John Ericsson National Memorial - Washington • Battleground National Cemetery - Washington • National Music Center - Washington • National Postal Museum - Washington

Capital:  Statehood:  Population: 572,059 (9,316.40 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 68.34     Water 6.94     Land 61.4     Rank Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States:   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use   Housing: In District of Columbia, there are 274,845 housing units, averaging to 4,476.10 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Dolls     Muse     The New Republic     Smithsonian     Teddy Bear Review     Foreign Policy Magazine     Washington Technology   Posters and Artwork Tidal Basin, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • US Capitol, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Capitol Building, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20"