Washington DC
If you’re planning a trip to the United States, consider visiting Washington DC, the nation’s capital city. This compact city on the Potomac River, bordered by Maryland and Virginia, is defined by its neoclassical monuments and iconic museums and performing arts venues. While you’re here, take time to learn about the history of the city and enjoy its diverse culture.
The District of Columbia was formed when the U.S. Congress established the 100-square-mile territory in 1790. The land was 90 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean and was initially part of Virginia, but the state ceded the land to the new state in the mid-19th century. It is now one of the most populated cities in the United States.
The streets in Washington have a grid of broad east-west trending streets and diagonal avenues that create great vistas. These streets lead to public squares and powerful focal points. In addition, many street intersections have landscaped circles and squares, which create an interesting streetscape. These structures also play host to major professional sports teams.
The city’s architecture has changed over the years, reflecting the changing needs of the city’s population. In the mid-19th century, most of the city’s housing was row houses with attached homes, which varied only in size, style and building materials. Later on, however, neighbourhoods were built with larger lots and single-family homes for the middle class. These homes were designed with elegant multiroom mansions in limestone, decorative brick and terra-cotta trim. These structures were later converted into private clubs and embassies.