The capital today

Postal Abbreviation – DC

Area - 68.25 square miles (176.75 square km)

Population - 572,059

Major Industry - government

Major Rivers - Potomac River, Anacostia River

Highest Point - Tenleytown - 410 feet (125 m) above sea level

Bordering States - Virginia, Maryland

Origin of the Name Washington, District of Columbia - The name Washington was to honor the first president of the USA, George Washington. The name Columbia is in reference to Christopher Columbus.

Nickname - D.C.

Official Motto - "Justia Omnibus" - Justice for All

Official Song - The Star-Spangled Banner, words by Francis Scott Key

Washington, D.C. Symbols and Emblems

Flag The flag of Washington, D.C., was adopted in 1938. Since Washington, D.C., had no official flag, a commission was formed in 1920 to find a design. Headed by A. E. Dubois, the final design was chosen on October 15, 1938. The design was based on the shield from George Washington's family's coat of arms.

Official Bird - Wood thrush

Official Flower - American beauty rose

Official Tree - Scarlet Oak

District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) is the capital city of the USA. The White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and many other government buildings are located in Washington, D.C. The first President to live in Washington D.C. was John Adams; his family moved there in 1800.

The city is commonly referred to as D.C., the District, or simply Washington. Historically, it was called the Federal City or Washington City. To avoid confusion with the state of Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest, the city is often called simply D.C..

The centers of all three branches of the U.S. federal government are in the District. It also serves as the headquarters for the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Development Bank, and other national and international institutions. Washington is the frequent location of political demonstrations and protests, large and small, particularly on the National Mall. Furthermore, Washington is a popular destination for tourists, the site of numerous national landmarks and monuments. It is a major American cultural center, with a number of important museums, galleries, performing arts centers and institutions, and native music scenes.

The District has three major natural flowing streams: the Potomac River, the Anacostia River and Rock Creek. The Anacostia River and Rock Creek are tributaries of the Potomac River. Geographical features of Washington, D.C. include Theodore Roosevelt Island, Columbia Island, the Three Sisters Islands and Hains Point.