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 a lot of 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 near tourist hot spots or the capitol should be reasonably safe. 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 non-touristy parts of DC at night. Check out this article for a list of the best neighborhoods to stay in DC as a tourist.
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. But if you decide to drive, consider paying for a parking spot in advance with the SpotHero app.
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. One of my favorite brunch spots in DC is Ambar, a Balkan cuisine restaurant.
DC has a sizeable Ethiopian diaspora, making it one of the best places in the USA to try Ethiopian food. I recommend the veggie platter or doro wat (chicken stew). If you love Latino cuisine, try one of the Peruvian chicken spots or 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, home of the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court. It is often referred to as “Washington” or “DC” for short, but the inclusion of “D.C.” distinguishes it from the state of Washington.
Americans usually refer to Washington on the West Coast as “Washington State” and the capital of the United States as “Washington D.C.”
Map of Washington State and Washington DC
Washington State vs Washington DC
| Washington State | Washington DC | |
| Location | West Coast of the USA | East Coast |
| Is it a State? | Yes | No |
| Known For | Mount Rainier National Park, Space Needle | The White House, USA Capitol, Smithsonian |
| Travel Types | Outdoors, Hiking | History, Nightlife, Architecture |
Washington State and Washington DC couldn’t be any different. Although they are both named after the same person, they are on opposite ends of America. Washington State is on the West Coast, close to California, Oregon, and Canada, while Washington DC is on the East Coast, sharing a border with Virginia and Maryland. People who visit Washington State are usually interested in the outdoors and adventure. Popular attractions in Washington State are Mt. Rainer and Olympic National Park. The Smithsonian museums, the White House, and the Georgetown community are popular attractions in DC. There’s a lot to love about Washington, DC. Although it isn’t a state, it’s home to some of the USA’s most historical buildings and a great place to visit.
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.
How To Write a DC Address?
“Washington” is listed as the city, and “DC” is listed as the state. Although the District of Columbia (D.C.) is not a state in the eyes of the Constitution, it is treated as a state for mailing purposes.
Every address in DC will include the quadrant. The four quadrants in DC are Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), and Southwest (SW). Here is an example of a DC address:
Which Counties Are Located In DC?
Washington, D.C., has zero counties. It’s unique because it is not part of any state and does not have any counties. It is a special federal district created to be the capital of the United States. Therefore, the entire area is just one city and district. But this wasn’t always the case.
When Washington, D.C. was first established in 1790, it included land donated by Maryland and Virginia, which was divided into two counties: Washington County and Alexandria County. Washington County comprised the part of DC from Maryland, while Alexandria County included the part of DC from Virginia.
Later, in 1846, the land that made up Alexandria County was returned to Virginia.
Can DC Residents Vote for President?
Washington, D.C., residents can vote for the President, but this wasn’t always the case. In 1961, the 23rd Amendment was added to the Constitution. This rule said that Washington, D.C., can have people called electors. These electors are part of the Electoral College, which officially votes for the President. Washington, D.C., gets three electors, the smallest number any state can have.
What is the Latitude and Longitude of Washington DC?
Knowing the latitude and longitude of Washington, D.C., can be useful if you enjoy using maps. The latitude and longitude of Washington, D.C., are 38.9072° N and 77.0369° W, meaning that the city is located 38.9072 degrees north of the Equator and 77.0369 degrees west of the Prime Meridian. Knowing these coordinates may help pinpoint the exact location of Washington, D.C., on a map.
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.
What are the Best Free Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC?
My top museums in DC are the Space and Air Museum, the African American Museum, and every art gallery near the National Monument. For more ideas, check out this blog post.
What Amendment States That People in DC Can Vote?
The 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, passed in 1961, allowed people living in Washington, D.C., to vote. This amendment allows D.C. to have some electors in the Electoral College. These electors are equal to the number of senators and representatives D.C. would have if it were a state, but they can’t be more than the number from the smallest state. This means people in the capital can help choose the President and Vice President.
Read more:
- Top 21+ Washington DC Hotels With Indoor Pools
- Interesting Facts about Washington DC
- Day Trips from Washington DC
- Best Place to see the Cherry Blossom Bloom in DC 2024
- The Ultimate Guide to Waterfalls Near DC
- Hidden Gems in DC: National Capitol Columns
- The Best Dessert Spots in DC (From a Local)
- Getaway House Shenandoah: Cozy Cabins Near DC
- Vegan Restaurants in DC: The Ultimate Guide
- The Best Hike Near DC: Maryland Heights Trail
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