Washington DC General Information |
|
It is hard to believe, but the land on which Washington, DC's elegant National
Mall and its stately buildings stand was once a marshy swamp. George Washington
created this special district as a federal power hub to avoid the problem of
establishing the capital city in any one state. Its strategic location, with
accessibility to the sea via the Potomac River and between the South and the
North, made it an attractive site. Originally designed by the French architect
Pierre L'Enfant in 1791, Washington is a city of green parks, wide tree-lined
streets and very few skyscrapers, all of which give it a European air. It is
very much a purpose-built capital, a city of grand buildings (such as the White
House and the US Capitol) and impressive monuments (the Washington Monument and
the Lincoln Memorial, to name but two).
|
The city's designer, Pierre L'Enfant,
envisioned open spaces for national gatherings. While it took more than 100
years for L'Enfant's initial plan to be instituted, the National Mall has
been the setting for hundreds of gatherings of remembrance, national
observance and protest. The Mall, with the Capitol at one end and the
Lincoln Memorial at the other, is the backdrop to four presidential
monuments, three war memorials and several museums. Almost all of the sights
on the Mall are free, making it the perfect place for a quick museum visit
or patriotic walk.
The recently opened National Museum of the American Indian and World War II
memorial make a trip to the Mall a must even for the most seasoned D.C.
visitor. And soon enough, visitors will be able to add another all-American
outing to their trip to D.C. - a baseball game. Despite some initial
controversy, Major League Baseball approved the relocation of the Montreal
Expos to Washington for the 2005 season.
Tucked in and around the red-white-and-blue splendor of downtown D.C.
travelers to the second-most visited city in the USA will find a blend of
international and national flair. From Ethiopian cafes to down-home Texas
barbecue joints, from salsa clubs to country line dancing, D.C. has it all,
making a visit a capital idea - even if it's only for a day. |
Washington, DC (Washington to visitors and DC or the District to locals) is
divided into four quadrants - northwest (NW), northeast (NE), southeast (SE) and
southwest (SW). It is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own diverse
culture. Capitol Hill, beyond the Capitol, is a blend of government buildings,
townhouses and specialty shops and restaurants.
Foggy Bottom, also home to several government buildings, is now a charming,
quiet neighborhood. Perhaps the most famous is Georgetown, a historic district
with elegant 18th- and 19th-century townhouses, home to many influential
residents, as well as chic restaurants and shops. One of the most colorful
neighborhoods is Adams Morgan, with an eclectic mix of international
restaurants, sidewalk cafés, ethnic stores and late-night entertainment.
After the federal government, tourism is the capital's primary industry. Over 19
million tourists explore the city each year, preferring to see the sites during
fall, spring and summer rather than in winter when hotel rates drop, and it can
be bitterly cold and wet.
They are drawn by the wealth of impressive monuments and museums, many of which
have free entry. Other important industries located here include trade
associations, law, higher education and publishing. The city is also the
headquarters for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Distinguished government buildings, inspiring monuments and remarkable museums
overshadow the city. But Washington is more than just marble-faced grandeur. In
true American fashion, the city is a melting pot of cultures and opinions,
tradition and cosmopolitan charm. It's both uniquely American and global at the
same time. |
|
Home|
Washington DC Schools|
Apartment Search Tips|
Local Phone Numbers|
Washington DC Utilities|
Apartment Rent Tips
Hunter's Check List |
Apartment Moving Tips |
Apartment Packing Tips |
Apartment Moving Day
Washington DC Restaurants |
Washington DC Newspapers |
Washington DC Guide
Resources |
Contact Us |
Site Map
© Copyright 2001 - 2013 All Rights Reserved.
We do business in accordance with Federal Fair Housing law. (Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988).Some of the content on on this website has been secured from outside sources. We believe it to be reliable, however, we make no representation or warranty, expressed or implied , as to the accurrent Rental information is subject to change with or without prior notification.
|
|