Originally the area that would later become the capital city of the United States was occupied by the Piscataway Indians leading up to the 1600s. The first European to arrive on the scene, Captain John Smith, sailed up the Potomac from Jamestown in 1608. Other settlers and explorers would gradually find their way into the area and established other towns and cities, including Alexandria in 1749.

On June 21, 1788, the Constitution was ratified, including Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17, giving Congress authority "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may by cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States…." Having the capital as a separate district helped solve the disagreement over which state would have the right to contain the new nation's capital. This set the stage for the eventual choice (made by George Washington) of what would eventually become Washington, D.C. The location was chosen partly due to its location between the Northern and Southern states. It was also conveniently located near George Washington's home.

French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant in 1791 would describe the land north of the Potomac River as a "pedestal waiting for a monument." Later he was responsible for the initial design of the city. In 1792, the cornerstone was laid for the Presidential Palace (now the White House), and in 1793 the cornerstone was laid for 793 Congress House (now the Capitol). In 1800 the government officially moved from Philadelphia. The city's population was just 14,000.

Its development in the following years included one important and interesting achievement after another. For a complete timeline of the city ( http://www.h-net.org/~dclist/timeline1.html ) visit the Washington, D.C. History Network.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
In 1910, Congress would pass a height restriction to assure that no commercial construction would ever overshadow the beautiful array of federal monuments gracing the capital. Exploring the city provides residents, students and visitors alike with stunning insights into not only the political and historical background of the United States, but also into the country's pursuit of democracy and human rights over the course of its history.

Below is just a sampling of the many historical attractions throughout the city.

Washington Monument
Visible from almost every area of the city, this large obelisk stands just over 555 feet tall and serves to commemorate George Washington. Aside from the White House itself, it is one of the structures most associated with the capital.

Lincoln Memorial
Designed by Henry Bacon and completed in 1922, this tribute to President Lincoln shows the man solemnly seated, staring over the Reflecting Pool. Inscribed on the south wall is the Gettysburg Address, while the north wall shows Lincoln's second inaugural address. Years after its construction, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., would give his famous "I Have a Dream" speech there in 1963.

Capitol
Although started in 1793 when George Washington laid the cornerstone, the Capitol was not completed until 1826. In addition to the exquisite architecture modeled on Rome's Pantheon, visitors also can enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds. For an educational experience, observe the legislators in action, with a gallery pass.

White House
One of the most famous addresses in the country, the iconic residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was designed by Irishman James Hoban. The President and his family reside here, in private quarters, and there are very famous rooms most people will only get to see in film or TV, including the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. Visitors can tour: the East Room, which holds the famous portrait of George Washington that was saved from the British by Dolly Madison; the Green Room, which is decorated in moss-green watered silk wall coverings; and the Blue Room, which was furnished by James Monroe. While not seen on the tour, the West Wing contains a number of famous rooms including the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, which most people have seen only in films or on TV.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
One of the most visited locations in Washington, the granite wall stands in respect and remembrance of the country's Vietnam veterans. More than 58,000 names are inscribed on it. The Three Soldiers statue and Women's Memorial are also part of the larger memorial although the wall is the best-known.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
This beautiful monument to the nation's 32nd president stretches over seven acres. Spread throughout are waterfalls and reflecting pools, making this a calming place to visit. It was also one of the first D.C. memorials to be wheelchair accessible, honoring the president who spent many years in a wheelchair himself. Eleanor Roosevelt is also honored here and remembered with a bronze statue.

Jefferson Memorial
This monument, completed in 1943, was designed to represent Jefferson's architectural preferences. Towering inside is a 19-foot bronze portrait statue of the president. Outside, the beautiful cherry trees referenced in our events section ( http://www.educationforadults.com/washington-dc/events.html ) provide a beautiful setting for the monument each spring.

Sources:
( http://www.whitehouse.gov/easter/2006/ )