Which State is Washington, DC, in?
A friend recently asked me which state Washington, D.C. was in, which set off a long and twisted conversation about its statehood. I’ll try to explain as simply as possible but I am a long-winded Political science major. My apologies.
Washington, DC (District of Columbia), is technically not a state. It is a federal district, and its only city is Washington. During the United States’ early beginnings, there was much disagreement on where the capitol should be. Eventually, it was decided that Washington, DC, would be the capital. It was purposefully set up not to be a state so that it only answered to the federal government.
Is Washington DC Safe?
As someone who originally came to DC over 10 years ago, I think it is OK for tourists. Staying at tourist hot spots or near the capitol should be reasonably safe. I recommend avoiding Southeast DC near the Anacostia River. To be fully transparent, crimes such as carjacking have increased recently, so staying vigilant is essential. There have also been stories about people being robbed for their expensive coats. As someone who values honesty, I do not recommend wearing Canada Goose or similar brands while walking alone in DC.
Where to Park in Washington DC
Washington, DC, has many parking garages throughout the city. Prices range from $20- 50 a day in high-traffic areas such as near the Smithsonian or National Mall. I recommend using public transportation instead of driving. Hotels in DC tend to have pricey parking rates.
What food is Washington DC Known For?
Washington, DC is a foodie paradise. The dishes commonly associated with DC are half-smokes and Mambo sauce. Half smokes are a cross between hotdogs and sausages usually served with chili. Ben’s Chili Bowl is an iconic restaurant known for having some of the best half-smokes in the district. Mambo sauce is a sweet and sour sauce served at local restaurants or sold online. DC is also known for having a big brunch culture.
DC has a sizeable Ethiopian diaspora making it one of the best places in the USA to sample Ethiopian food. If you love Latino cuisine, try one of the Peruvian chicken spots or a Salvadorean Pupusas.
Why is Washington named Washington, DC?
Washington, D.C. was named after two historical figures: George Washington and Christopher Columbus. The city was established as the capital of the United States in 1790, and it was named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who stumbled upon Indigenous Americans living in the present-day United States of America. His arrival would lead to the mass murder of Indigenous people and colonization.
What’s the Difference Between Washington and Washington DC ?
“Washington” typically refers to the state of Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It was named after George Washington. The state is known for its beautiful natural landscape, including mountains, forests, and coastline, as well as its major cities, such as Seattle and Spokane.
On the other hand, “Washington, D.C.” (District of Columbia) refers to the federal capital of the United States, also named after George Washington. Washington, D.C. is not a part of any state and is instead a federal district. It serves as the seat of the United States government, housing essential institutions such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court. It is often simply referred to as “Washington” or “DC” for short, but the inclusion of “D.C.” distinguishes it from the state of Washington.
Map of Washington and Washington DC
Fun Facts about Washington DC
- George Washington never lived in DC. He lived in nearby Mount Vernon, Virignia.
- It is illegal to walk around DC without a valid license.
- The Cherry Blossoms found around DC were initially gifted from Japan in 1912. Some of those trees are still standing today.
- DC used to be called “Chocolate City” due to being a majority Black city.
- There’s no J Street in Washington DC. The urban legend states that one of the prominent city planners for DC, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, did not like Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay. So when he designed the city, city, he left out the letter “J.” But the more likely reason is that the letters “J” and “I” were written interchangeably during that time.
- Native Washingtonians created the music genre called “Go-go.” Amerie’s “It’s This One Thing” was one of the first go-go songs to go mainstream.
FAQs
In What State is Washington, DC?
Washington, DC, is not located in a state but is categorized as a federal district.
Is Washington, DC in Virginia?
No, Washington, DC is not in Virginia, but they share a border.
Is DC in Maryland?
No, DC is a separate district that borders Maryland.
