The USA capital city, Washington D.C., is by the Potomac River. It’s the heart of the U.S. government. Named after George Washington, it was founded in 1791.
Washington D.C. isn’t in any state. It’s a special area for the U.S. government. It has important buildings like the White House and Capitol.
D.C. is also a cultural center. It has amazing museums and monuments. These places draw history lovers and politics fans.
As of 2020, D.C. has 689,545 people. It’s not just a government place. It’s a lively city where old and new meet, showing the American story.
The Location and History of the USA Capital City
Washington, D.C., is the heart of the United States. It’s rich in history. It sits on the Potomac River, serving as the nation’s capital and the seat of government.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
The District of Columbia is at 38°54’17″N 77°00’59″W. It’s bordered by Maryland to the north and east, and Virginia to the south and west. Its spot on the Potomac River helped make it the capital.
Historical Background of Washington, D.C.
In 1790, Congress decided to create a federal district. This ended years of debate on the capital’s location. Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the city in 1791, with four quadrants around the Capitol Building.
The Residence Act of 1790
The Residence Act of 1790 was a big moment. It allowed for a capital district on the Potomac River. Maryland and Virginia gave up land for the first 100 square miles. On June 11, 1800, Washington, D.C. became the permanent capital, at the heart of American politics.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1790 | Residence Act passed |
| 1791 | L’Enfant designs city layout |
| 1800 | D.C. becomes official capital |
Washington, D.C. as the Federal District
Washington, D.C. is special in the U.S. It’s the capital and a federal district. This makes it different from the 50 states, blending local and federal rules.
Unique Status as a Federal Territory
Washington, D.C. is unlike any other city. It’s under federal control. The U.S. Congress has the power over it, as the Constitution says. This keeps the government seat free from state influence.
District Boundaries and Neighboring States
Washington, D.C. is 68.35 square miles big. It has 61.126 square miles of land and 7.224 square miles of water. It’s between Maryland and Virginia, with the Potomac River in between. Its location is 38°54′17″N 77°00′59″W, on the East Coast.
Local Government Structure
Since 1973, D.C. has its own local government. It has an elected mayor and a 13-member council. But, Congress can still change local laws. This sparks debates about D.C. becoming a state, as it has more people than some states but no full voting rights.
