Washington DC – History

Washington DC is the longest serving capital city of the United States of America. Approved for development in 1790 with the signing of the Residence Act, territory was taken from the sates of Virginia and Maryland to develop the capital. While not an official state, the territory is governed by its own locally elected mayor and 13-member council. The United States Congress holds ultimate power over the city.

Washington DC has been the site of many famous events, battles and other historical happenings since its early founding. The War of 1812 saw the Burning of Washington raid, which included the burning of the Capital, Treasury and White House by invading British forces.  The American Civil War saw the construction of the now famous The Capital dome per a decree by then-president Abraham Lincoln. The compromise of 1850 outlawed the slave trade within the district, while the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 completely dissolved slavery within the city even prior to the Emancipation Proclamation which outlaws slavery throughout the United States.

The 1930s saw increased overall federal spending by the United States government, including the development of new government buildings, museums and memorials within Washington DC as a result of the New Deal. World War II increased further the spending as well as the employees required in the capital, which led to a combination of population growth and economic prosperity within Washington DC. Although statehood has always been a highly contested subject by the United States Congress, to this day, Washington DC remains a territory with only ceremonious representation in the House of Representatives.

On September 11 2001, Washington DC was the site of terrorist attacks on the United States including against the Pentagon building, America’s center of military intelligence. Since the attacks, the city has maintained heightened security as a wide range of locations including places of governance as well as tourist attractions. In addition to its many famed museums and historic sites, the district is also home to several sports teams including the Washington Nationals baseball team and the Washington Capitals hockey team.

Historical Locations

Lincoln Memorial
Address:2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States
Phone:+1 202-426-6841
Business Hours:
– Open 24 hours daily
Admission cost:
– FREE
Website

Ford’s’ Theatre
Address:511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Phone:+1 202-347-4833
Business Hours:
– Open from Wednesday through Sunday – advance tickets required phone reservation: +1 202-347-4833
Admission cost:
– Historic Site Visit: $3.00; Audioguides: $5.00
Website

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Address:5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20245, United States
Phone:+1 202-426-6841
Business Hours:
– Open 24 hours daily
Admission cost:
– FREE
Website