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Facts for Kids

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, known for its rich history, government institutions, and vibrant culture.

Overview

Events And Festivals

Geography And Climate

Government And Politics

Education And Universities

History Of Washington D C

Major Landmarks And Monuments

Neighborhoods And Communities

Cultural Institutions And Museums

Transportation And Infrastructure

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Inside this Article

Smithsonian Institution

Georgetown University

Local Government

Abraham Lincoln

United States

Potomac River

War Of 1812

Georgetown

Did you know?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States!

๐Ÿ™๏ธ It was created in 1790 and is often called 'The District.'

๐Ÿ“šโœจ With a population of over 700,000 people, it is a vibrant city.

๐ŸŒณ The city was designed by a French engineer named Pierre Charles L'Enfant.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ The White House was the first building finished in 1800.

๐ŸŒŠ Washington, D.C. lies along the Potomac River.

๐Ÿช‘ The Lincoln Memorial has a giant statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting.

๐Ÿข The Washington Monument is tall and pointy, resembling a giant pencil.

๐ŸŽ’ The Smithsonian Institution has 19 museums, including the National Air and Space Museum.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ D.C. is filled with diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm!

Introduction

Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ! It was created in 1790 and is home to important government buildings. The โ€œD.C.โ€ stands for the District of Columbia. This city is not part of any state and is often called โ€œThe District.โ€ ๐Ÿ™๏ธ With a population of over 700,000 people, Washington D.C. is a vibrant place where decisions about the country are made. It's famous for its beautiful monuments, museums, and parks. People from all over the world come to visit and learn about American history and government! ๐Ÿ“šโœจ
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Events And Festivals

There are lots of fun events and festivals in Washington, D.C.! ๐ŸŽ‰

Every spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of cherry trees gifted by Japan in 1912. People enjoy parades, performances, and art! In the fall, thereโ€™s the National Book Festival ๐Ÿ“š, where authors share their stories and kids can enjoy reading. D.C. also hosts holiday celebrations with fireworks and parades, like the 4th of July! ๐ŸŒŸ

There's always something exciting happening in the city! ๐ŸŽ†

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Geography And Climate

Washington, D.C. lies along the Potomac River, which separates it from Virginia and Maryland ๐ŸŒŠ. The city spans about 68.34 square miles. D.C. has four distinct seasons! ๐ŸŒธ

In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, and in summer, it gets hot and humid. Fall brings colorful leaves, while winter can be cold with some snowflakes โ„๏ธ! The average temperature in summer can be around 85ยฐF (29ยฐC), while in winter, it can dip to 32ยฐF (0ยฐC). Washington is mostly flat, but there are some small hills to explore!
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Government And Politics

Washington, D.C. is the heart of the U.S. government ๐Ÿ›๏ธ. The President lives in the White House, while Congress meets at the U.S. Capitol. There are two parts of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Supreme Court is located nearby and makes sure everyone follows the law โš–๏ธ. D.C. is also unique because it has its own local government! The Mayor of D.C. helps run the city, and citizens can vote in elections. Itโ€™s where important decisions about the country are made!
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Education And Universities

Washington, D.C. has many educational institutions! ๐Ÿซ

There are public and private schools for kids, as well as universities. One of the most famous universities is Georgetown University, established in 1789 ๐ŸŽ“. American University and George Washington University are also located here, teaching thousands of students every year. D.C. also has many educational programs, such as summer camps that teach kids about history and science! Learning is fun in D.C.! ๐ŸŒŸ

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History Of Washington, D.c.

Washington, D.C. was chosen as the capital because it is located between the northern and southern states. The land was donated by Maryland and Virginia in 1790. The city was designed by a French engineer named Pierre Charles L'Enfant. He created a plan for the streets to be wide and lined with trees! ๐ŸŒณ

The White House was the first building constructed and was completed in 1800. During the War of 1812, British troops burned down the White House! However, it was rebuilt, and today it is a symbol of the U.S. government ๐Ÿ›๏ธ.
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Major Landmarks And Monuments

Some famous spots in Washington, D.C., are the Lincoln Memorial, where a giant statue of Abraham Lincoln sits ๐Ÿช‘, and the Washington Monument, which is tall and pointy like a giant pencil ๐Ÿข! The U.S. Capitol is where Congress meets, and it has a beautiful dome. The National Mall is a park area that stretches from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and is surrounded by museums and monuments ๐ŸŒณ. Don't forget the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, honoring one of the most important leaders for civil rights!
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Neighborhoods And Communities

Washington, D.C. is made up of many diverse neighborhoods! ๐Ÿ˜

๏ธ Each neighborhood has its own character and culture. Georgetown is famous for its historic buildings and shops, while Adams Morgan is known for its colorful murals and fun restaurants ๐ŸŽจ. Capitol Hill is where many congresspeople live and work. In D.C., communities celebrate their cultures with festivals, food, and music ๐ŸŽถ. Families come together to make the city lively and unique! Everyone is welcome in the wonderful world of Washington, D.C.! ๐ŸŒ

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Cultural Institutions And Museums

Washington, D.C. is packed with amazing museums! ๐Ÿ–ผ

๏ธ The Smithsonian Institution has 19 museums, including the National Air and Space Museum โœˆ๏ธ, which showcases incredible aircraft and space objects. The National Museum of Natural History lets you see dinosaurs and gems! ๐Ÿ’Ž

The Kennedy Center is a famous place for live performances, including music and dance. Many of these museums are free to enter, making them perfect for family trips and school field trips! ๐ŸŽ’

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Transportation And Infrastructure

Getting around Washington, D.C. is easy peasy! ๐Ÿš‡

The city has a great public transportation system called the Metro, which has trains and buses ๐Ÿš. You can ride the Metro to visit all the amazing landmarks and museums! The city is also bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and rentals available. D.C. is easy to walk in, with lots of sidewalks and parks. Plus, many people use scooters! Getting from one place to another can be an adventure! ๐ŸŒˆ

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Washington Dc Quiz

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