Washington unveiled: The capital's rich history and must-sees
In November, Americans will choose their president. In the coming weeks, the eyes of the entire world will be on Washington. How did the capital of the USA come to be, and what is worth seeing there?
Americans pride themselves on creating their country from scratch, on their own terms. This was also true for Washington.
Let's build a capital
It is one of the few capitals built from scratch specifically to serve as a capital. New York was the national capital before adopting the newly formed, independent United States Constitution. In 1790, the temporary capital moved to Philadelphia, 149 kilometres away. However, both locations were not ideal for the new country.
To ensure better communication and identification of all residents with the capital, it needed to be located between the northern and southern states (at that time, the territory of the USA was limited to the east coast) and be outside any states, on separate territory.
The location of the city was chosen by George Washington in 1791, who knew the area well because he had an estate in nearby Mount Vernon. By decision of the first president of the USA, an independent District of Columbia was delineated from the states of Maryland and Virginia, where Washington is located. The city was designed by the French architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant, and the design and construction of the White House were entrusted to the Irishman James Hoban.
The most important house in America
The neoclassical White House is one of the world's most filmed and photographed buildings. US presidents deliver speeches during press conferences and special occasions, with crowds of tourists and voters gathering by its fence throughout the year.
The White House is open to tourists; visits are free, but tickets must be reserved in advance from 7 to 30 days prior.
The Pentagon, Gutenberg Bible, and Kosciuszko
The second most popular building in Washington is the Capitol and the seat of the US Congress. The ceiling of its distinctive dome is adorned with a painting reminiscent of Vatican artworks, depicting George Washington in the role of God.
The Capitol is also the site of numerous ceremonies and events, such as presidential inaugurations, political speeches, and national celebrations. It is open to tourists, just like the nearby Library of Congress, the oldest library in the USA. Its collections include over 30 million books, prints, maps, and recordings. Visitors can see a copy of the Gutenberg Bible here.
Washington is home to numerous embassies and museums, including the International Spy Museum, the Pentagon, and the National Archives. The spirit of past eras can be felt in the historic Georgetown district. In the National Mall park near the White House, you can also find the statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
When and for how long?
Washington will be visited even more than usual in the coming weeks. You can admire the colourful American autumn; some suggest visiting the US capital in the spring is worth visiting. The Tidal Basin is famous for its cherry trees, which bloom in white and pink around the end of March and early April. This is one of the most popular tourist periods in the US capital, but any season is a good time to visit. Of course, the weather will be most favourable in the summer.
How many days should you spend in Washington? Two days are needed to see the most important attractions (monuments and buildings) and one or two museums. For enthusiasts of American history and culture, we recommend three or four days, allowing more time to visit museums and Arlington Cemetery and perhaps take a trip outside the city.
