District of Columbia, USA
The
District of Columbia, USA is the nation’s capital and one of the most iconic cities in the world. Situated at the navigational head of the Potomac River, between Maryland and Virginia, it has an area of 68 square miles (176 square kilometers). It was chosen by George Washington in 1790 as a political compromise that satisfied both Northern and Southern states. The city is home to over 591,833 people according to 2008 estimates.
Washington D.C. is renowned for its many memorials, statues, and other landmarks. The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial are some of the most iconic monuments in the United States. Popular tourist attractions such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts draw millions of visitors each year.
The economy of Washington D.C. is largely based on national and international political activities, scientific research, and tourism. Numerous cultural and educational institutions, foreign embassies, and government agencies can be found throughout the city.
Useful resources
- Lincoln Memorial - parthenon-inspired tribute to Abraham Lincoln with a 19-ft. marble statue, murals and reflecting pool.
- Washington Monument - landmark obelisk rising from the National Mall that honors America's first president.
- National Mall - washington Monument plus memorials to Lincoln, MLK, FDR, WWII and Vietnam vets along a grassy mall.
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial - columned rotunda in the style of Rome's Pantheon on the man-made reservoir known as the Tidal Basin.
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - a museum documenting the history of aviation and space exploration, with displays of vehicles and more.
- National Gallery of Art - the permanent collection holds American and European works in 2 buildings and a sculpture garden.
- Arlington National Cemetery - vast military cemetery featuring JFK’s eternal flame, Memorial Amphitheater, and Tomb of the Unknowns.
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - from dinosaur exhibits to displays of rare gems, this acclaimed museum celebrates the natural world.
- Ford's Theatre - the site of Lincoln's assassination, this historic theater offers nightly performances and tours.
- George Washington University - official website of the George Washington University, a private research university in Washington, D.C.
- Washington, D.C. Government - official website of the city of Washington, D.C., providing municipal information and services
- Smithsonian Institution - official website of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum, education, and research complex
- Smithsonian's National Zoo - official website of the Smithsonians National Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the United States
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - official website of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a multi-dimensional performing arts center
- Washington Commanders - official website of the Washington Commanders, a professional American football team
- National Gallery of Art - official website of the National Gallery of Art, one of the largest art museums in North America
- Washington, District of Columbia - official website