Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, a planned federal district occupying 68 square miles on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. Home to the three branches of the U.S. federal government, world-class Smithsonian museums, iconic monuments, and a vibrant multicultural dining and arts scene, the city draws more than 24 million visitors annually. Most of the capital's major museums and memorials are free, making it one of the most accessible great cities on earth.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Washington, D.C..
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1
U.S. Congress establishes the District of Columbia as the permanent federal capital via the Residence Act; President George Washington selects the site on the Potomac River
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2
Cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol laid on September 18
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3
Federal government moves from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.; President John Adams becomes first president to live in the White House
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4
British forces burn the U.S. Capitol, White House, and other federal buildings during the War of 1812
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5
DC Compensated Emancipation Act abolishes slavery in DC — nine months before Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation
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6
President Abraham Lincoln assassinated at Ford's Theatre (511 10th St NW) on April 14, 1865
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7
DC race riots; the U Street corridor was a center of African American commerce and cultural life throughout the Jim Crow era
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8
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers 'I Have a Dream' speech at Lincoln Memorial, August 28
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9
Major riots follow assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; significant damage to 14th Street and H Street corridors
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10
President Richard Nixon resigns from office; only U.S. president to resign, following Watergate scandal
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11
September 11 attacks; Pentagon (across Potomac in Arlington, VA) struck; DC placed on heightened security
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12
Barack Obama inaugurated as the 44th President and first African American President of the United States, January 20
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13
January 6 Capitol insurrection; mob storms the U.S. Capitol during certification of presidential election results
Historical sites
Places where Washington, D.C.'s past comes alive.
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
Where: Penn Quarter
Admission: Free (timed-entry passes required from recreation.gov)
United States Capitol
Where: Capitol Hill
Admission: Free (advance tour reservation at visitthecapitol.gov)
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Where: National Mall
Admission: Free (advance timed-entry passes required at recreation.gov; book months ahead)