History and Fast Facts About Washington, DC – The District of Columbia

A long time ago, Pierre Charles L’Enfant gazed northward along the banks of the Potomac River in 1791, he envisioned a “pedestal waiting for a monument.” Since that day, Washington, DC has evolved into a fascinating, lively city combining grand, neoclassical government buildings, monuments, memorials, museums and the National Mall with colorful neighborhoods, art, theater, music and culture.

Today, Washington, DC is a powerful symbol not only of our nation but also of democracy and freedom. The District of Columbia’s neighborhoods, people, history and culture truly embody the American Experience – from Duke Ellington to John Phillip Sousa and from the Civil War to civil rights. Only in Washington, DC, can visitors be inspired by touring the magnificent Capitol Building and Washington Monument by day and be moved by taking in magical performances by the National Symphony and world-class opera by night.

During your DC Field Trip in the nation’s capital city, we encourage you to discover Washington, DC as more than just a tourist. Become a part of the American Experience. Marvel at the Lincoln Memorial. Show your children the Star-Spangled Banner. Stop in at Eastern Market, an amazing European-style gathering of food vendors and artisans. Explore Jacqueline Kennedy’s Washington through a Citywide Celebration and discover how her love of the arts and this city transformed the nation’s capital.

Use our website to find many more exciting ideas to create your own American Experience here in Washington, DC. We Specialize in Field Trips for schools looking for a educational tour of this very important US City.

Washington DC – General Information

Geography – Located midway along the eastern seaboard of the United States, south of Maryland, north of Virginia and 233 miles south of New York City, the Washington, DC metropolitan area refers to the District of Columbia, plus 7 Maryland counties (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s), 5 Virginia counties (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William and Stafford) and 5 Virginia cities (Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park).
The District of Columbia is 67 square miles and divided into 4 quadrants: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast.  The U.S. Capitol building marks the center where the quadrants meet. Numbered streets run north-south. Lettered streets run east-west (there are no J, X, Y or Z streets), becoming 2-syllable names, then 3-syllable names as you travel farther out from the center. Avenues named for U.S. states run diagonally, often meeting at traffic circles and squares.

Elevation: Highest is 420 feet; lowest is sea level.

Population: The population is approximately 572,000 in DC proper and 5.4 million for the entire metro area.For more information, go to the website for the U.S. Census Bureau

Industry: Washington DC’s primary industry after the federal government is tourism. Other important industries include trade associations, as Washington, DC is home to more associations than any other U.S. city; law; higher education; medicine/medical research; government-related research and publishing. Washington, DC metropolitan area is also world headquarters for corporations such as USAirways, Marriott, Amtrak, Gannett News, Mobil Oil, and the International Monetary Fund.

Climate – Experience the glory of all four seasons here in Washington, DC. Warm weather usually prevails from April until as late as October. Winters are short here and are typically “moderate” with more rain than snow. Monthly high and low average temperatures follow (Farenheit/Celsius):

Parking In Washington, DC

Parking is restricted during rush hours and some weekend hours (check posted hours on street signs). If your vehicle is towed Friday after 7 p.m. or any time on weekends, you won’t be able to retrieve it until Monday after 9 a.m.

Nation’s Capitol Metro Area Taxes:

Washington, DC: Sales tax is 5.75%., Total hotel tax including sales tax is 14.5%., Food and beverage tax is 10%.
Maryland: Sales tax is 5%. Hotel tax varies by county with most counties averaging between 5% and 8%.
Virginia: Sales tax is 4.5%. Hotel tax varies by county with most counties averaging between 9.5% and 10%.

DISABLED TRAVELERS

Washington, DC is one of the most accessible cities in the world for physically challenged visitors. Following are a few resources:

• Disabilityguide.org – is the premier source of disability related information in the Washington, DC metro area. Detailed accessibility information for many attractions, restaurants and bars. They produce the annual Access DC Entertainment guidebook. www.disabilityguide.org
  
• Metro System Guide – a free guide providing information on Metro’s bus and rail system for the elderly and the physically disabled. Visit www.wmata.com or call us at 1-800-808-1799.
  

Senior Citizens Counsel and Delivery Service
Also available online at  Custom made group tour packages for physcially challenged/Handicapped visitors are available, with equipment and wheelchair rentals and accessible vehicles available for mobility by the day, week and month.

Smithsonian Access Brochure – A free guide that provides an overview of accessibility features, parking entrances, interpreters and special tours at the Smithsonian museums. Available in large print, Braille and audiocassette. For copies, write Smithsonian Information, SI 153 MRC 010, Washington, DC 20560, or call us at 1-800-808-1799

Important Information for International Travellers – Washington is more than just the Nation’s Capital – it is also home to more than 150 embassies, chancelleries and diplomatic residences where colors, cultures and languages mix like nowhere else. The following sections contain some tips and information to make international visitors feel more at home.

Embassies

Many embassies offer guided tours with prior notification. Arrangements can also be made by some embassies to host meeting functions and private parties, offering an unmatched asset for any meeting planner. Embassy phone numbers are available by calling directory assistance at (202) 555-1212. A comprehensive listing of embassies is also available online at  www.embassy.org .

Multilingual Services

The White House, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress and other attractions offer brochures in several languages. The Smithsonian Institution provides multilingual information at the visitors center in the Castle building. Meridian International Center offers multilingual services at its information desk at Dulles International Airport, plus a telephone language bank. For details, call 1-800-808-1799   www.meridian.org (See Interpreters & Translating Services section for more information.

Financial Services

American Express
8330 Boone Blvd., Suite 200
Vienna, VA 22182
www.americanexpress.com
American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company. It is a world leader in charge of credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.

SunTrust Bank
1445 New York Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20005

Riggs National Bank
800 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20006

Tipping
Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill. Here are a few tipping guidelines: Waiters are usually given 15% of the bill. For outstanding service, tip 20%. Taxi drivers usually receive 15% of the fare, and doormen, skycaps and porters are usually tipped $1 per bag.

Electricity

The electricity used in Washington, DC is standard electricity, which is 110 volts. European appliances brought here will require a voltage transformer.