The roots of Washington, D.C. trace back to the signing of the Residence Act on July 16, 1790, which marked the approval for the creation of a capital district along the Potomac River. Founded in 1791, the City of Washington was established to serve as the national capital. Over time, the city evolved, with Congress officially designating it as the federal district in 1801, encompassing land from Maryland and Virginia, including the settlements of Georgetown and Alexandria.
Named after George Washington, the nation's first president and a Founding Father, and inspired by Columbia, a symbol of the United States, Washington, D.C. holds a unique status. The city's significance lies not only in its historical ties but also in being a global political capital, housing the U.S. federal government and several international organizations.