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Washington DC is the capital of the United States and a city steeped in American history and culture. While sometimes confused with the 'other' Washington, the pacific northwest state in the top left corner of a map of the contiguous 48 U. S. States, Washington DC is not a state at all. The DC in the name stands for District of Columbia. DC travel offers the opportunity to experience the best art, science, history and culture the country has to offer.

The District was founded on July 16, 1790. The very first Article in the U. S. Constitution calls for a federal district, separate and distinct from any U. S. State, to serve as the nation's capital. Named in honor of the country's first president, George Washington, it officially became Washington, DC, by an 1871 Act of Congress. It is the site for the White House, home to the American President, and also the U. S. Capitol building, which houses the U. S. Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Many travelers coming to visit DC are amazed by the beauty and grandeur of all the architecture used in the many federal buildings. They may have seen replications of many of these buildings on the printed money of the United States, but seeing these in person is awe-inspiring. It's hard not to be impressed by what our forefathers have built, all apparent by a visit to the nation's capital.

A few must-see edifices include the Washington Monument, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, the White House, the U. S. Capitol Building, the Library of Congress and others. There is no charge to visit any of these places. The National Botanical Gardens are also quite impressive.

No DC travel itinerary would be complete without some time scheduled to visit America's Attic, also known as the Smithsonian Institution. With a total of 19 museums, most of which are situated on the National Mall in close proximity to the Capitol building, it houses more than 136 million items on exhibit, and also includes the famous National Zoo.