Washington, D.C. is a city designated as a federal district, not belonging to any specific state in the United States. Its history dates back to the founding era of the country.
In this regard, let me introduce the Capitol Visitor Center, where you can delve into the history of Washington, D.C. and experience its formation in a visual manner.
Made of marble, the Capitol Building follows the architectural style...
The urban planning of Washington, D.C. was a massive project during the founding period
The history of Washington, D.C. began with the enactment of Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the United States Constitution in 1788, which granted the authority to construct the nation’s capital.
Two years later, in 1790, the current location, where the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers meet, was chosen by the first President, George Washington. At that time, the already established city of Georgetown and Alexandria, located in the present-day state of Virginia, became part of the capital and were renamed Washington in honor of the President.
The urban planning of Washington, D.C. is based on the city concept by French architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant. He designed the plan based on the Baroque-style city, which is remarkably similar to the current cityscape, with broad avenues radiating from what is now known as Capitol Hill, intersecting at circular junctions.
However, in the early 20th century, due to haphazard development and urban slums, the cityscape envisioned by L’Enfant underwent significant changes.
In 1900, the Joint Committee on the Improvement of the City of Washington, led by then U.S. Senator James McMillan, was established to initiate the redevelopment of Washington, D.C. The city was transformed into a park-centered urban landscape, centered around the present-day National Mall, with numerous monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, being constructed.
By the way, the southern part of the Potomac River, which was part of the capital at the time of its founding, was retroceded to Virginia during the Civil War. As a result, Alexandria city and the adjacent Arlington city are now part of the state of Virginia.
To experience the history of Washington, D.C., visit the Capitol Visitor Center
The Capitol Hill, the heart of the United States and Washington, D.C., houses the United States Capitol, an imposing building with a massive dome in the center and separate buildings for the Senate and the House of Representatives extending to the north and south. Just viewing the building from the outside is a captivating experience in itself.
However, you can actually enter this Capitol building. Moreover, the process to enter is much simpler than entering the White House. By completing a brief procedure at the Visitor Center, located on the east plaza of the Capitol, or by making a reservation in advance on the internet, anyone can easily enter.
Despite the easy access, the Visitor Center’s underground pavilion allows visitors to experience the history of Washington, D.C. through models. Starting from the mere hills and wetlands of the founding era, the exhibition progresses sequentially to showcase the development of buildings up to the present day, enabling you to learn about the history of Washington, D.C. in a visual manner.
However, please note that photography is not allowed inside the pavilion.
Learn about the history at the center of Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. was a highly innovative planned city, incorporating state-of-the-art technology of its time. Its traces can still be found throughout the city, continuing to captivate many visitors to Washington, D.C.
By learning about the city’s history, you can enjoy your trip even more profoundly. So, when you visit Washington, D.C., why not start by stopping at Capitol Hill and experiencing its historical significance at the Capitol Visitor Center?
