Columbia

Columbia
Name	Columbia
Settlement type	District
Motto	Justitia Omnibus (Justice for All)
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Established title	Residence Act
Established date	1790
Established title2	Organized
Established date2	1801
Founder	George Washington
Named for	Christopher Columbus
Seat type	Mayor
Seat	Muriel Bowser
Government type	Mayor–council government
Leader title	Congressional delegate
Leader name	Eleanor Holmes Norton
Area total sq mi	68.34
Population total	689,545
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Population rank	20th
Population demonym	Washingtonian
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	−5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	−4
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	20001–20098, 20201–20599
Area code	202
Website	dc.gov

Columbia. The District of Columbia, commonly referred to as Washington, D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. Founded on July 16, 1790, following the passage of the Residence Act, it serves as the seat of the federal government and numerous international institutions. The city is named after George Washington, the nation's first president, while the district's name honors explorer Christopher Columbus.

History

The site for the capital was selected by President George Washington from land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia, as authorized by the United States Constitution. The initial city design was created by French-born architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant, whose plan featured broad avenues and ceremonial spaces. The district was officially established in 1801 and saw its core buildings, including the Capitol and the White House, completed in the early 19th century. The city was attacked by British forces during the War of 1812, which resulted in the burning of several government buildings, including the White House and the Capitol. The district's population grew significantly after the American Civil War and it became a center for the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century, highlighted by events like the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. The District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 granted the city an elected mayor and council, though ultimate authority remains with the United States Congress.

Geography

The district is located on the east bank of the Potomac River, bordering the states of Virginia to the southwest and Maryland to the north, east, and southeast. Its terrain includes low-lying plains and rolling hills, with the highest natural point being Fort Reno Park in the Tenleytown neighborhood. The original district was a square measuring 10 miles on each side, but the portion south of the Potomac River was retroceded to Virginia in 1847. The city's layout is characterized by its distinctive grid of numbered and lettered streets overlaid with diagonal avenues named after U.S. states, converging on circles and squares. Major natural features include the Anacostia River, Rock Creek Park, and the National Mall, a large national park in the city's core.

Government and politics

As the national capital, the district hosts all three branches of the federal government, including the Congress at the Capitol, the President at the White House, and the Supreme Court. The district's local government operates under a Mayor–council government system, with executive power vested in a mayor, currently Muriel Bowser, and legislative power in the Council of the District of Columbia. However, the district is not a state; its laws and budget are subject to congressional review, and it has no voting representation in the Congress, represented only by a non-voting delegate. The district's voters overwhelmingly support the Democratic Party in presidential and local elections, and there is an ongoing political movement for statehood.

Economy

The district's economy is dominated by the public sector, with the federal government being the largest employer. Other significant sectors include professional services, education, scientific research, and tourism. Major employers and institutions include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Howard University. The city is a hub for think tanks, lobbying firms, and national associations, such as the American Medical Association and the National Geographic Society. The Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport serve as major transportation and economic gateways. The presence of institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and numerous national museums also supports a robust cultural and tourism industry.

Demographics

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the district has a population of approximately 689,545 residents, making it the 20th most populous city in the nation. The population is diverse, with significant African American, White, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian communities. A large number of residents are highly educated, with over half of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, due in part to the concentration of universities and knowledge-based employers. The city has experienced significant gentrification and population growth in neighborhoods such as Shaw, Logan Circle, and the Navy Yard.

Culture

The district is a major national and international cultural center, home to numerous museums, performing arts venues, and historical landmarks. The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex, operates most of the museums along the National Mall, including the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The city's performing arts scene is anchored by institutions like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera. Annual events include the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the gift of cherry trees from Japan, and the A Capitol Fourth concert. The district is also known for its vibrant neighborhoods, diverse culinary scene, and as the setting for numerous films, television series, and novels about American political life.

Category:Capitals in North America Category:1790 establishments in the United States Category:Populated places established in 1790