Welcome to DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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 (Virginia's portion south of the river was returned to that state in 1846). ...Read more here: Washington, DC

Founded:

July 16, 1790

Land Area:

68.3 sq mi.

Highest Point:

409 ft

Official Bird:

Wood Thrush

Official Flower:

American Beauty Rose

Official Song:

America the Beautiful

Official Tree:

Scarlet Oak

Nickname

D.C., or "the District"

Border States:

Virginia, Maryland

Motto:

Justitia Omnibus  ("Justice for All")

Origin of Name:

"Columbia" is a poetic name for the United States, from Christopher Columbus' name