Elegant city with the refined parks and lakes, Washington was built as a capital. Sometimes it seems too respectable and conservative, but during its history it often became a stage for revolutionary events.
The city of Washington was founded in 1791 on the banks of Potomac River on the border between the North and South. The city was named after the first American president George Washington. Pier Charles Lanfan was appointed the main city architect. Among the first buildings established in the city are Capitol and President Palace. After the big fire in the beginning of the XIX century President Palace was colored in white and received his present name White House.
During the Civil War of 1861-65 Washington became the centre of events. Here the troops were concentrated, numerous forts were built around the city. Just before the war end was created the most famous national cemetery Arlington National Cemetery.
In the beginning of XX century, in 1901 Congress accepted a decree, which prohibited establishing building higher than the Capitol. That's why you won't find skyscrapers in American capital.
In XX century city was developing rapidly, a lot of new building were built, a lot of new museums were opened.
During World War II Washington became the main army centre and in 1943 one of the most known military buildings, Pentagon was established.
Since 1970 Washington has become one of the very important cultural and tourist centers of the United States. It receive up to 30 millions of visitors a year.
Nowadays Washington with its suburbs is a big metropolis with the population of over 5 millions. In 1980 in Washington the subway was opened.
Among city attractions are the above-mentioned Capitol and White House, memorials of the presidents George Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt. George Kennedy center include Opera and Drama theaters, restaurants and cafes.
Edgar Hoover is also among the city landmarks. It housed FBI headquarters. It also boasts criminalistic museum with the big collection of weapon and criminalistic laboratory.
Washington is the only city in world, which doesn't have mayor it's ruled by the president of the country.
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