Washington, D.C.

capital city · history · government · landmarks

Home of government. Washington, D.C. is where the President of the United States lives and works, and where Congress makes laws for the entire country. It's the center of all U.S. federal government.

Built on a river. The city sits right on the Potomac River, which separates it from Virginia. The river was important for trade and travel when the city was first built.

Named after a hero. Washington, D.C. got its name from George Washington, who was a Founding Father and became the very first president of the United States.

Columbia's city. The word Columbia comes from a female symbol of the United States, kind of like how Lady Liberty represents America. The district's full name, District of Columbia, honors this idea.

Between two states. Washington, D.C. borders Maryland to the north and east, and sits across the river from Virginia. It's its own special federal district, not part of any state.