Washington, DC 17 Fun Facts You Never Knew

1. Washington, DC has been the capital city of both the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1790. Located along the Potomac River, the city's location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains makes it a convenient transportation hub and base of operations for many businesses. 

2. Washington, DC is home to several national museums including the Air & Space Museum (formerly known as the National Air and Space Museum), the Smithsonian National Zoo, & the Holocaust Memorial Museum. These institutions are world-renowned for their extensive collections of art, history, zoology, and aviation. 

3. The District of Columbia hosts numerous sporting events annually at venues like RFK Stadium, the Verizon Center, and Capital One Arena. In addition to sports, the city offers plenty of opportunities for cultural activities and outdoor recreation. Many visitors come to Washington, DC to experience its diverse array of museums, monuments, and memorials. 

4. Washington, DC is located near the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region where residents can easily access major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Norfolk, Wilmington, and Newport News. 

5. Washington, DC is the seat of government for the state of Maryland. This means that the city is the center of business, education, health care, culture, and politics for over 7 million people in the state. The District of Columbia is home to multiple colleges and universities, including Howard University, Georgetown University, American University, George Mason University, College Park, and the Catholic University of America. 

6. Washington, DC is one of the largest cities in the United States with nearly 611,000 residents. Due to its proximity to the Capitol building and Foggy Bottom neighborhoods, the city attracts thousands of tourists each year. 

7. Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It was founded in 1790, making it the second-oldest federal district after New York City. Its current population is estimated at 681,819 residents. 

8. In 2000, Congress passed the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, which provided that the possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana would not be prosecuted. 

9. There are approximately 40,000 registered voters in Washington, DC. 

10. Washington, DC is located in the middle of the U.S. state of Maryland. 

11. Washington, DC is bordered by Virginia to the south, West Virginia to the north, Maryland to the east, Arlington County, Virginia to the southeast, and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Area to the west. 

12. Washington, DC was founded in 1790, making it older than both Boston, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is also the birthplace of American democracy. 

13. Washington, DC has two nicknames: “The Nation’s Capital” and “America’s Home Town.” 

14. Washington, DC is home to many famous people including George Washington, Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and many others. 

15. According to official estimates, Washington, DC has over 900 miles of public transit lines. Its metropolitan area is often referred to as the nation's second-largest urban region after New York City. 

16. Due to its location at the mouth of the Potomac River, Washington, DC is surrounded by water on three sides. This makes it the only U.S. city situated in a body of water. 

17. Washington, DC was named after George Washington. In 1608, William Smith built the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. 18. In 1789, George Washington became the first President of the United States. Washington, DC is home to many government offices, including the White House, Congress, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Department of Agriculture.