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Capital |
None - Capital of the United States of America |
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Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States. It is also one
of the country's most beautiful and historic cities and the site of
many of its most popular tourist attractions. These include the
White House, where the President lives and works; the United States
Capitol, where the Congress meets; the Washington Monument, the
Lincoln Memorial and other historic structures; as well as a wide
range of museums which together house an enormous collection of
items from America's past. Although New York City and Philadelphia
each served briefly as the capital of the United States, in 1790,
Congress chose the District of Columbia as the permanent seat of
government. George Washington helped select the site for the city.
Situated on the Potomac River, Washington, D.C., was originally
carved out of land transferred from Maryland and Virginia.
French-born American engineer, architect, and urban designer
Pierre-Charles L'Enfant designed the city's basic plan, which
features wide avenues radiating from the Capitol building through a
grid of streets with numerous circles and parks. The name District
of Columbia honors Christopher Columbus, and the city's better-known
name of Washington, honors the first president. Congress first met
in Washington in 1800, although construction of the first phase of
the Capitol was not completed until 1826. Today, millions come to
Washington, D.C. each year to see the Capitol, the White House, the
Library of Congress, and the city's many museums and monuments.
New York City was the first capital of the United States once the
Constitution was ratified. This is where Congress (that was formed
under the Articles of Confederation) met. It is also where George
Washington took the oath of office from the balcony of the old City
Hall to become the first President of the United States.
One of the issues the President had to deal with was a permanent
location for the country’s seat of government. As part of a
compromise, it was decided that the capital would move to
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1791 for ten years and then to a
suitable permanent location on the Potomac River. Washington chose
an area that included land from the states of Maryland and Virginia.
At this time the area was primarily farm and marsh lands.
Nevertheless, Congress was scheduled to meet in the new capital on
the first Monday in December 1800.
Pierre Charles L’Enfant was hired to design the "Federal City" and
within three months the plans were completed. Problems had to be
overcome, but on June 11, 1800, Philadelphia was no longer the seat
of government. The capital of the United States now had a permanent
home in Washington, D.C. |
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Travel Talk |
Are you from Washington D.C.?
Did you travel or study English
in Washington D.C.
Then let others know about your
experiences....good or bad.
Now you can add pictures to
your post. |
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