50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Washington, DC

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Washington, DC, is a small federal district located on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It was created in 1790 and has served as the United States capital since 1800.

Despite covering a relatively small area, Washington, DC's rich history and culture mean that there's a lot to learn about the capital of the United States. So keep reading to discover 50 uniquely fun facts about Washington, DC, from which bizarre presidential pets have lived in the White House to the story behind the DC license plate.

50 Washington, DC, Facts

Washington, DC, Fun Facts

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is built out of stone from multiple states

Architects of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial included materials from five states in the design. The monument's exterior is crafted out of Vermont marble, and the interior is made with marble from Georgia.

The floor is pink marble from Tennessee, and the limestone dome is a product of Indiana. The 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson sits atop a black granite pedestal from Minnesota.

The Tidal Basin takes in 250 million gallons of water during high tide

The Tidal Basin plays a vital role in keeping local water transportation open. Twice a day at high tide, the Potomac River brings 250 million gallons of water into the 107-acre Tidal Basin.

Once the tide recedes, the gate to the Potomac is shut, and the water is released into the Washington Channel to clear away any buildup.

The Cherry Blossom Festival originated from a gift in 1912

Celebrated every March and April in Washington, DC, the Cherry Blossom Festival is more than just the best time to see cherry blossoms. The annual event is also a celebration of when, in March 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gave 3,000 cherry trees to the city.

You can find cherry trees throughout Washington, with the largest concentration around the National Mall and Tidal Basin.

Washington, DC, is home to 20 Smithsonian museums and attractions

There are a total of 20 Smithsonian museums and other attractions in Washington, DC. These include the National Zoo and the Air and Space Museum. Interestingly, DC is home to most of the Smithsonian attractions in the United States, with only three sites outside of the capital, with two in New York and one in Virginia.

Washington National Cathedral took 83 years to build

Washington National Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, was chartered by Congress in 1893. The first stone was laid in 1907 with the help of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The building wasn't completed for more than eight decades until President George H.W. Bush participated in the setting of the final stone in 1990.

Washington, DC, residents couldn't vote for president until 1961

If you're interested in Washington, DC, facts and history, you'll be surprised to learn that city residents couldn't vote in presidential elections until 1961. That was when the passing of the 23rd Amendment extended the right to vote to DC residents. As a result, Washington, DC, participated in its first presidential election in 1964.

The US Supreme Court didn't have its own building until 1935

The United States Supreme Court is the country's highest level of judiciaries. Still, they didn't have their own building to meet in until 1935. Before the Supreme Court Building was constructed, court justices met within the US Capitol Building in DC.

The driving force behind the building? Former president and then-Chief Justice William Howard Taft, who in 1929, persuaded Congress to construct a permanent home for the court.

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The Washington Monument is the tallest obelisk in the world

Reaching nearly 555 feet, the Washington Monument is the world's tallest obelisk and the tallest predominantly stone structure in the world. The obelisk, constructed of granite and marble, is estimated to weigh more than 90,000 tons.

The North American landmark was the tallest human-made structure for five years until the Eiffel Tower took that distinction in 1889.

Rock Creek Park is the country's third-oldest national park

Rock Creek Park sits on more than 1,750 acres in the northwestern quadrant of Washington, DC. Congress established it in 1890, making it the third national park in the United States. Rock Creek Park is also home to attractions like the Pierce Mill, Boulder Bridge, and Rock Creek Park Planetarium.

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President Theodore Roosevelt is memorialized on a wooded island

Unlike other former presidents with monuments in the city's heart, the 26th President Theodore Roosevelt, known for his promotion of conservation efforts, is memorialized on an approximately 90-acre, tree-lined island.

Theodore Roosevelt Island sits in the middle of the Potomac River, west of the Kennedy Center. The island also serves as a wildlife sanctuary for migrating birds and has various hiking trails.

William Howard Taft is the only president to serve as Supreme Court Chief Justice

A lawyer by trade, William Howard Taft is the only US President to also serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Taft served as President of the United States from 1909 to 1913. After losing reelection in 1912, William Howard Taft worked as a professor at Yale University until being appointed to the Supreme Court in 1921.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is located at 1964 Independence Avenue SW

King was a driving force behind the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s. The four-acre tribute to him, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, was completed in 2011 and was given a meaningful address: 1964 Independence Avenue SW.

The address references the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination and outlawed segregation in public places across the country.

The District of Columbia is named after Christopher Columbus

Most people know that the city of Washington, DC, was named after Founding Father George Washington. But one of the lesser known Washington, DC, history facts is that the District of Columbia pays homage to explorer Christopher Columbus. "Columbia," the feminine version of "Columbus," was also a common nickname for America during the Revolutionary Period.

Washington, DC, covers an area of 68.3 square miles

The District of Columbia was established by Congress in 1790 to be the home of the new federal government. The states of Maryland and Virginia donated a total of 100 square miles to form the District.

However, Congress returned the land past the Potomac River to Virginia in 1846. Today, Washington, DC, covers an area of 68.3 square miles.

Washington, DC, license plates read, "End Taxation Without Representation"

Taxation without representation was one of the primary motivations behind the American Revolutionary War. But because of the city's status as a federal district rather than a state, residents of Washington, DC, still have no representation in Congress.

It's such a sore spot locally that even the license plates read, "End Taxation Without Representation."

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The International Spy Museum has the largest public collection of spy memorabilia

Opened to the public in 2002, the International Spy Museum is home to the world's most extensive public collection of spy artifacts. Visitors to the International Spy Museum, one of the most famous Washington, DC, landmarks, don't just learn about the history of espionage; they can also hone their spy skills at 17 interactive testing stations.

Georgetown University is the oldest post-secondary institution in Washington, DC

Prestigious Georgetown University holds the title of being the oldest post-secondary institution in Washington, DC. The school was founded in 1789, a year before Washington, DC, was even created in what was then Maryland.

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Folger Shakespeare Library has the world's largest written collection of Shakespeare

English writer William Shakespeare is known for his classic plays like Hamlet and Othello. But suppose you're interested in some of his less well-known works. In that case, you should check out Washington, DC's Folger Shakespeare Library, which claims to have the world's largest written collection of printed works by Shakespeare.

Only six presidents have been sworn in outside of Washington, DC

There have only been six presidents sworn in outside of Washington, DC. The first two presidents, George Washington and John Adams, weren't sworn in there because the nation's capital had yet to be created. Instead, they took their oaths in New York City and Philadelphia, respectively.

The other four sworn in outside of the District were all vice presidents who took office unexpectedly after the previous president's death. These four were Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Lyndon B Johnson.

Washington, DC, residents want it to become the 51st state

Washington, DC, statehood has been debated for years. Still, if residents had their way, they'd already live in the 51st state.

In 2016, a non-binding referendum about statehood made the local ballot, with 86% of Washington, DC, voters in favor of shedding the federal district designation and pursuing full statehood. However, the decision ultimately lies with the US Congress.

Interesting Facts About Washington, DC

The Potomac River has an average flow of seven billion gallons per day

The Potomac River, which delineates Washington, DC's southwestern border with Virginia, pumps an average of seven billion gallons of water daily past the capital. The river flows into the Chesapeake Bay, serving as the bay's second-largest tributary.

Washington, DC, has more residents than two states

Another of many interesting things to learn on this Washington, DC, information and facts list is that despite being a small federal district, DC has a larger population than some entire states. With more than 670,000 residents, DC tops Vermont, which has a population of fewer than 650,000, and Wyoming, with around 580,000 residents.

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The World War II Memorial has 56 pillars

Washington, DC's World War II Memorial comprises a fountain surrounded by 56 granite pillars. Each of the 56 pillars represents a different state or US territory during World War II and acts as a reminder of the service members hailing from there. Around 16 million Americans served during the conflict, with over 400,000 losing their lives.

The Washington, DC Flag was first designed in 1924

The Washington, DC flag has a white background with two horizontal red stripes topped by three red stars. The flag was first designed by Charles Dunn in 1924, although his initial draft featured blue stars instead of red. Congress voted to make the Dunn-inspired flag the official flag of the Washington, DC, federal district in 1938.

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass lived in Washington, DC, for over two decades

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery before escaping to New York City in 1838. Douglass then lived between New York and Massachusetts until relocating to Washington, DC, in 1872.

Frederick Douglass went on to serve as US Marshall for Washington, DC, under five presidents and was also Recorder of Deeds for DC and Minister Resident and Consul General to Haiti.

Washington, DC, has a higher per capita income than any state

It may be a federal district, but Washington, DC boasts a higher per capita income than any state in the United States. With a per capita income of $92,266 in 2019, Washington, DC, edged out the top-ranked state (and its northern neighbor) of Maryland. The lowest-ranked state? That would be Mississippi at $45,792.

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The Municipal Fish Market is the oldest in the United States

Washington, DC's Municipal Fish Market, also known as the Maine Avenue Fish Market, is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States. The permanent fish market was established in 1805. Fulton Fish Market in New York City, the second-oldest, opened its doors in 1822.

The Washington Monument has a two-tone color pattern

Although it may look like a single tone at first glance, the towering Washington Monument is actually two different colors. After the Washington Monument ran out of money in 1856, the project sat unfinished until Congress appropriated more funds in 1876. The variation in hue is due to sourcing stone from alternate quarries once construction resumed.

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The Lincoln Memorial has a typo

Long before you could fix a typo with the stroke of a key, an unfortunate stoneworker made a mistake while engraving the Lincoln Memorial. If you look closely at the president's second inaugural address inscribed on the north wall, you can see the word "FUTURE" originally read "EUTURE."

Luckily for the engraver, the bottom line of the "E" was filled in, making the mistake less noticeable.

You can read the official FBI Interrogation Manual at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress in Washington, DC, has a massive collection of over 173 million items, including the official FBI Interrogation Manual, which was likely filed by mistake.

The manual was submitted to the Library of Congress for copyright protection in 2010. As a result, it is available to anyone to read. The submission was probably an error, as government documents can't be copyrighted.

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There's a ten-foot statue of John Paul Jones near the Tidal Basin

John Paul Jones is recognized as the father of the United States Navy. His line, "I have not yet begun to fight!" was a rallying cry for troops during the Revolutionary War.

Jones was the only naval officer awarded the Congressional Gold Medal during the conflict. In 1912, Congress dedicated a ten-foot bronze statue commemorating Jones near the Tidal Basin on Independence Avenue.

Washington, DC, has the second-busiest Amtrak station

Washington Union Station is the District's primary hub for ground transportation. It's also the headquarters for Amtrak, so it should be no surprise that it's the passenger rail company's second-busiest station.

The busiest is Penn Station in New York City, which sees more passengers than Washington Union Station and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia combined.

Weird Facts About Washington, DC

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There's an unused tomb under the US Capitol Building

Many visitors tour the US Capitol Building's Crypt, most likely thinking that they're walking on top of a gravesite. However, there's actually no need to worry about ghosts because the tomb is empty.

Built to hold the remains of President George Washington and his wife Martha, the space sits unused as the pair opted to be interred at Mount Vernon.

Darth Vader's helmet is sculpted on the Washington National Cathedral

In the 1980s, National Geographic promoted a contest for children to design a new sculpture, known as a "grotesque," for one of Washington National Cathedral's towers.

Reader Christopher Rader submitted his sketch of Darth Vader, winning third place. The sculpture of Darth Vader's helmet was carved by Patrick Plunkett and still sits on the cathedral to this day.

The White House has been home to some exotic presidential pets

Most people think of presidential pets as cats and dogs. Still, plenty of other exotic animals have lived in the White House over the years. Theodore Roosevelt had a badger, Woodrow Wilson had sheep, John Quincy Adams had an alligator, and Andrew Jackson had a foul-mouthed parrot, which likely learned the vocabulary from its presidential owner.

There are two marble bathtubs in the US Capitol Building

Hidden down in the basement of the US Capitol Building, two palatial marble bathtubs sit sunken into the floor. These impressive works of Italian marble were installed in the 1860s for the newly-completed Senate wing of the Capitol.

Back then, most Senators stayed in boarding houses with less-than-optimal bathing facilities, so the Senate baths were a welcome addition.

Washington, DC, residents drink more wine than anyone

Ready for some facts on Washington, DC, drinking habits? Wine is the perfect drink for celebrating a good day or washing away a bad one, at least according to Washington, DC, residents who rank number one in the country for wine consumption per capita. The District also ranks third in the nation for drinking spirits, behind Delaware and New Hampshire.

Facts About Washington, DC History

The Lincoln Memorial is a part of civil rights history

With President Abraham Lincoln's role in ending slavery, it's no surprise that the Lincoln Memorial has become an important site in civil rights history. The memorial on the western end of the National Mall, dedicated in 1922, most notably served as the site for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech.

George Washington chose the site for the White House in 1791

George Washington never lived in Washington, DC. He did, however, choose the site for the home of all subsequent presidents. Construction of the White House began in 1792, and John Adams, the second president, moved into the new residence in 1800. The original building would last just over a decade, though, since the British burned it down during the War of 1812.

There are nearly 4,000 cherry blossom trees around the National Mall

The National Mall and Memorial Parks are home to about 3,800 cherry blossom trees. Most of these trees are located along the Tidal Basin on the southwestern end of the park. The trees, which began with around 3,000 gifted from Japan in 1912, fill the area with picturesque pink blooms every year in mid-March.

Before the 1600s, Washington, DC, was inhabited by the people of Nacotchtank

Another of the many historical facts about Washington, DC, is that John Smith was the first European explorer to visit the Washington, DC, area. At the time of his 1608 expedition into the region, present-day Washington was inhabited by the people of Nacotchtank, also called Anacostans.

Nacotchtank was a prominent trading village located at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers, near what is now Anacostia Park.

Woodrow Wilson is the only president buried in Washington, DC

Some interesting information about Washington, DC, is that only one president is buried within the District. While most presidents choose to be laid to rest in their home states, 28th President Woodrow Wilson became the first and only president buried in Washington, DC when he was interred at the Washington National Cathedral following his death in 1924.

Washington, DC's National Mall was first planned in 1791

The National Mall, a two-mile park, is one of Downtown Washington, DC's most recognizable features. Interestingly, its origins go back nearly as far as the 1790 founding of the city.

In 1791, the first president, George Washington, commissioned French engineer Pierre L'Enfant to design the new capital. L'Enfant's original plan included the present-day National Mall running west from the Capitol to the Potomac River.

The White House was originally called the "President's Palace"

What we know today as the "White House" was initially named "President's Palace" when first constructed. In 1810, a decade after John Adams was the first president to move in, the world-famous landmark was renamed "Executive Mansion." It wasn't until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt selected "White House" as the official name of the president's residence.

John Quincy Adams was the first presidential child to become president

John Quincy Adams was the 6th president of the United States from 1825 to 1829, but he wasn't the first Adams to get elected. His Father, John Adams, served as the 2nd president from 1797 to 1801.

The only other presidential child to take office? George W. Bush in 2001, following the lead of his father, George H.W. Bush, who was president from 1989 to 1993.

Important Facts About Washington, DC

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The National Museum of African American History and Culture houses 40,000 items

Occupying 350,000 square feet across ten floors, the National Museum of African American History and Culture boasts an impressive catalog of more than 40,000 items that date from the 1700s to the present day.

The museum, which Barrack Obama dedicated in September 2016, keeps around 3,500 of those pieces on display to the public in several permanent and rotating exhibits.

Washington, DC, is technically a federal district

Washington, DC, is a city, but it's also a federal district. Washington occupies all of the District of Columbia, a special federal district established in 1790 to operate as the United States capital.

As a federal district, Washington, DC, is under the power of the United States Congress. However, its local government handles day-to-day operations.

Washington, DC's official bird is the wood thrush

Commissioners for the District of Columbia designated the wood thrush as its official bird in 1967. Not only does Washington, DC, have an official bird, but it also has an official rock, the Potomac bluestone. And no information on Washington, DC symbols would be complete without its official dinosaur: the Capitalsaurus.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in Washington, DC, in 1863

Easily the most famous presidential proclamation in United States history, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, DC, in 1863.

The proclamation declared all enslaved people's freedom in states that had seceded from the Union. However, slavery wasn't officially ended in the United States until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865.

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DC is home to International Cultural Centers like the Mexican Cultural Institute

Because of the city's significance in global politics, it's common for nations to open international cultural centers in Washington, DC. These centers promote better relations with the United States through the mutual understanding of cultures and traditions.

The Mexican Cultural Institute is one of the most well-known and has been a prominent cultural center in the city for more than three decades. It has also collaborated with DC organizations like the Smithsonian and Kennedy Center.

In Summary

It may seem like there are a lot of interesting facts about Washington, DC, for a district so small. But that's because of the city's prominence and long history as the nation's capital. Hopefully, you learned a lot about Washington, DC, and its history from this list of 50 fun and interesting facts!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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