History of Washington, D.C.
The history of Washington, D.C., is tied to its role as the capital of the United States. The site of the District of Columbia along the Potomac River was first selected by President George Washington. The city came under attack during the War of 1812 in an episode known as the Burning of Washington. Upon the government's return to the capital, it had to manage the reconstruction of numerous public buildings, including the White House and the United States Capitol. The McMillan Plan of 1901 helped restore and beautify the downtown core area, including establishing the National Mall, along with numerous monuments and museums.
An aerial photo of Washington, D.C. in 2007
The Northeast Boundary No. 4 marker stone of the original border between the District of Columbia and Prince George's County, Maryland
The engraving of George Washington, known as the First Cornerstone, was placed as the corner stone of the United States Capitol on September 18, 1783
An 1814 watercolor illustration of the United States Capitol after the burning of Washington during the War of 1812
District of Columbia statehood movement
The District of Columbia statehood movement is a political movement that advocates making the District of Columbia a U.S. state, to provide the residents of the District of Columbia with voting representation in the Congress and complete control over local affairs.
D.C. Statehood Now! flag at the 2013 presidential inauguration
"Statehood for the People of DC" yard sign
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking in support of D.C. statehood in 2020.