How well do you know Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is full of monuments, museums and unusual rules. Six questions, from easy to hard, about the city itself, with explanations.
Did you know?
- The Washington Monument has two slightly different shades of stone. Construction paused for about 20 years, and when work resumed, stone came from a different quarry.
- The Library of Congress in Washington is the largest library in the world by shelf space and number of items, holding well over 170 million items.
- James Smithson, whose gift founded the Smithsonian Institution, never visited the United States. His remains were moved to Washington in 1904 and now rest in a crypt inside the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall.
A capital designed from scratch
Washington, D.C. was created in 1790 as a new federal capital, built on land along the Potomac River. Unlike most capitals, it was planned from the start, with wide avenues, circles and open spaces. Today it is known for its monuments, museums, parks and diverse neighborhoods, and it welcomes millions of visitors every year.
The National Mall
The National Mall is a long, open park stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol. It is lined with museums and memorials and has been the site of historic gatherings. Visitors can walk its length to see many of the city's best-known landmarks in a single day.
Museums for everyone
The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 with a gift from British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the United States. Its museums cover art, history, science and culture, and free admission makes them accessible to everyone.
Monuments and memorials
The Washington Monument, completed in 1884, was the tallest structure in the world for a few years. Memorials across the city honor historical figures and events, and many are especially striking when lit up at night.
Cherry blossoms
Each spring, the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin burst into pink and white blossoms. Peak bloom usually occurs in late March or early April, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the friendship gift with parades and events.
Beyond the monuments
Washington has lively neighborhoods such as Georgetown, with historic streets and waterfront views, and U Street, known for its music history. Rock Creek Park, larger than New York's Central Park, offers forest trails in the middle of the city.
Getting around the city
Washington's Metrorail system opened in 1976 and is known for its vaulted concrete station designs. Many visitors explore the National Mall on foot or by bike, and the city has an extensive bike-share network. Because the city is compact, it is possible to see many major sights in just a few days.