Washington D.C.
Rich in history and world-famous sights
Categories: Washington D.C. USA
Relaxed days on the east coast of the USA Washington D.C. is the capital and also the seat of government of the United States of America. The city is located near the east coast of the country and is rich in history and world-famous sights. People interested in culture will get their money's worth in Washington D.C. as well as all those people who just want to experience the special flair of this metropolis.
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Washington D.C. - The center of power
Unlike cities such as New York, London or Boston, Washington D.C. has managed to retain its rather "small-town" charm, even though the city is not only home to the heads of all three constitutional powers, but also has more than 670,000 inhabitants. The city is not overlooked by skyscrapers, as is usual in other metropolises of the country, but is crowned by the Capitol, the seat of Congress. The Capitol is located on a highly visible plateau overlooking the Potomac River.
Most of the city of Washington D.C. was built around the Capitol, as it was one of the first buildings of the new planned capital. The White House and the Supreme Court are of course also among the most famous buildings of the city. Construction of the White House began in 1792 at the behest of George Washington and the city planner Pierre L'Enfant. With its white paint and protruding arches, the White House is a real eye-catcher.
What sights and attractions does Washington D.C. have to offer?
If you visit Washington D.C., you should not miss the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is a huge white marble tower that stands on a hill on the National Mall. The building was erected in honor of George Washington, the first president of the USA. Below the top of the monument there is a visitors' level from which one has a great view.
The Lincoln Memorial was built between the years 1915 and 1922 and is supposed to remind on Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. The building has 36 columns that stood for the 36 states that formed the USA at the time of Lincoln. The Lincoln Memorial was of historical importance once again in 1962, when Martin Luther King gave his famous "I have a dream" speech there. Those who love museums will be in the right place in Washington D.C. For it is home to the Smithsonian Institute, the largest museum complex in the world.
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What is so special about Washington D.C.?
One of the peculiarities of Washington D.C. is that the district does not belong to any federal state but is directly subordinate to the Congress of the United States. On the other hand, Washington is a city planned on the drawing board, whose streets are mostly straight and numbered. Those who visit Washington will not only experience a city full of living history but can also get to know a metropolis in which there are big parks and charming districts to discover.
