Known as the "Federal City", Washington lies on land purchased from the state of Maryland. This
is every American's city. It contains the monuments and museums of our shared heritage, from
Colonial Days, to the Native Americans' history; from the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary art
exhibits on the National Mall.
There is no way one can lead a tour, virtual or otherwise, through this city in less than a few days.
This page is intended to highlight some of Washington's diverse aspects, and hopefully peek one's
curiosity enough to travel there.
is every American's city. It contains the monuments and museums of our shared heritage, from
Colonial Days, to the Native Americans' history; from the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary art
exhibits on the National Mall.
There is no way one can lead a tour, virtual or otherwise, through this city in less than a few days.
This page is intended to highlight some of Washington's diverse aspects, and hopefully peek one's
curiosity enough to travel there.
Anchoring the center of the city
landscape is the United States Capitol
Building. Atop Captiol Hill, it is the seat of
the U.S. Government. Its cornerstone was
laid by George Washington; like all Federal
buildings (except the Patent Office) it was
burned by the British durin the War of 1812.
It had a small wooden dome until the
modern cast-iron dome was begun...in the
1850's. President Lincoln insisted that work
continue on the dome through the Civil War
as a sign of lasting national unity.
In the post 9/11 world, the lines to get
through security are horrendously long, but
the wait can be worth it. The interior of the
building is as stunning and studded with
history as the white marble facade.
landscape is the United States Capitol
Building. Atop Captiol Hill, it is the seat of
the U.S. Government. Its cornerstone was
laid by George Washington; like all Federal
buildings (except the Patent Office) it was
burned by the British durin the War of 1812.
It had a small wooden dome until the
modern cast-iron dome was begun...in the
1850's. President Lincoln insisted that work
continue on the dome through the Civil War
as a sign of lasting national unity.
In the post 9/11 world, the lines to get
through security are horrendously long, but
the wait can be worth it. The interior of the
building is as stunning and studded with
history as the white marble facade.
Washington's central area is rife with reflecting pools.
On windless, calm days these pools offer striking
reflections of the Capitol, Washington Monument, etc.
On hot days they are also favorite places to hang out
and cool off.
On windless, calm days these pools offer striking
reflections of the Capitol, Washington Monument, etc.
On hot days they are also favorite places to hang out
and cool off.
The site for the national capital
was selected by George Washington.
He picked a mosquito- ridden marsh
on the banks of the Potomac River
between Viginia and Maryland--and
directly between the northern and
southern halves of the nacent
country. Eventually the Federal
Government ceded the Virginia
parcel back to the state.
was selected by George Washington.
He picked a mosquito- ridden marsh
on the banks of the Potomac River
between Viginia and Maryland--and
directly between the northern and
southern halves of the nacent
country. Eventually the Federal
Government ceded the Virginia
parcel back to the state.
The Old Post Office is one of the city's lesser
known, but more beautiful structures. It used to house
the Post Master General's office, but now holds offices,
a big food court, and opens its tower observation deck
to the public.
In the shade beneath the building, you'll find
familes out for a stroll and photographers hard at work.
known, but more beautiful structures. It used to house
the Post Master General's office, but now holds offices,
a big food court, and opens its tower observation deck
to the public.
In the shade beneath the building, you'll find
familes out for a stroll and photographers hard at work.
The National Cathedral stands in the city's
north-western side. Taking over a hundred years to
complete, it was built in the style of the ancient gothic
cathedrals of Europe.
north-western side. Taking over a hundred years to
complete, it was built in the style of the ancient gothic
cathedrals of Europe.
