Washington, D.C.
Wszystkich miłośników kultury krajów anglojęzycznych, a w szczególności uczestników konkursu kuratoryjnego z języka angielskiego, zapraszamy do lektury nowego wpisu na naszym blogu, poświęconego stolicy USA!
A Brief History
Washington, D.C., officially known as the District of Columbia, is not just another city—it is the capital of the United States! It was founded on July 16, 1790, and was named after George Washington, the first U.S. President. The city was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French engineer, who made sure it would look impressive and organized.
Washington, D.C. was built on land that used to belong to Maryland and Virginia. It's a federal district, which means it’s not part of any state. In 1800, the federal government moved here from Philadelphia, making D.C. the political centre of the country. However, things got rough during the War of 1812 when British forces burned down several buildings, including the White House and the Capitol!
Washington, D.C. Today
Washington, D.C. is home to about 700,000 people. It’s the seat of the U.S. federal government, meaning the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court all work here. The city's economy revolves around government services, tourism, education, and finance. Many people work for the federal government or organizations like the World Bank.
Must-See Buildings
The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. However, it wasn’t always called the White House! Originally, it was known as the "President's House" or the "Executive Mansion." When it was first built, it was a natural gray-beige colour because it was made of sandstone. The building was painted white in 1798 to protect the sandstone from weather damage, but it wasn’t officially called the “White House” until 1901 when President Theodore Roosevelt started using the name.
Its construction began in 1792 and was completed in 1800. President John Adams was the first to live there. During the war which broke out in 1812, the British set it on fire (in 1814), but it was quickly rebuilt. The iconic edifice has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels. It includes the famous Oval Office, the Situation Room, and the Rose Garden.
The White House is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of the U.S. presidency and American history. It’s where important decisions are made, and it stands as a witness to the country’s journey through time.
The U.S. Capitol: this is where US laws are made. The building is divided into two parts: the Senate (north wing) and the House of Representatives (south wing).
The Supreme Court Building: the highest court in the U.S. meets here.
The Pentagon: just outside D.C., this building is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Top Tourist Attractions
National Mall: a huge park with some of the most famous monuments and museums, including:
· Lincoln Memorial, honouring President Abraham Lincoln.
· Washington Monument: a tall obelisk dedicated to George Washington.
· Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Remembering U.S. soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War.
Smithsonian Institution: a collection of museums and research centers, perfect for a fun and educational day out.
National Museum of American History, where you can discover America’s past.
National Air and Space Museum: where you can explore the history of flight and space travel.
National Museum of Natural History: from dinosaurs to diamonds, this museum has it all
Other cool spots include Library of Congress: the biggest library in the world with millions of books; National Archives: where you can see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights; Georgetown: a trendy area with historic charm, great food, and shopping; Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where you can catch a show—there’s everything from theater to dance to music; Howard University: a historically black university known for its role in education and culture.
Washington, D.C. is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and fun places to explore. Whether you're interested in politics, history, or just looking for a great tourist spot, there is something for everyone. So, get ready to dive into the heart of America and discover all the amazing things this city has to offer!
And now you can take the quiz to see how much you rememeber!
