Discover The History of Washington DC's Most Famous Landmarks

Washington D.C was planned and developed in theJefferson Monument, built in honour of Thomas
late 18th century, purposely being built to serve asJefferson, one of America's Founding Fathers and
the permanent national capital, with a federal districthimself, a former president. The neoclassical building
being formed to keep the national capital distinctwas completed in 1943, occupying one of the last
from the states. With all three branches of the U.Ssignificant sites in Washington D.C. and very quickly
government located in the city, as well as thebecame a popular destination for visitors to the city,
headquarters of the World Bank and the Internationalpartly due to its scenic location on the shore of the
Monetary Fund, Washington D.C has long been thePotomac River. Featuring its famous colonnade of
political core of America - a fact emphasized bycolumns and enhanced by the mass planting of
some of the awe inspiring monuments andJapanese Cherry Trees in 1912, the monument offers
attractions located in the city.a peaceful ambience, particularly when viewed from
The White House is quite possibly the most popularthe top of the Washington Monument, located to the
tourist attraction in D.C, with thousands visiting theeast.
spectacular sandstone building every year. The WhiteThe Washington Monument was the first architectural
House has been home to American presidents sincemonument planned to honour George Washington,
1800 and has seen many changes over the years.with work beginning on it in 1815 before its
The first occurred in 1814 when the White Housecompletion in 1829. The marble structure rises 178
was set ablaze by British troops in 1812 in retaliationfeet and has proved popular with Washington D.C
for the burning of Parliament buildings in Uppervisitors over the years due to the astounding view
Canada during the battle of York, leading to majorof the city it offers from the top of its 228 steps,
restorations being required to the interior of theas well as the iconic statue of George Washington
building with President James Monroe also adding newatop the monument.
porticos to the building. No longer open to the generalFor history aficionados, it doesn't really get much
public following the terrorist attacks in 2001, thebetter than Washington, with extended stay hotels in
White House still draws many a tourist to its groundsWashington D.C consistently packed with international
with its bold, Georgian-style architecture and historicaltourists, eager to stand amongst some of the most
significance.famous and historically significant buildings in the
Located directly north of the White House is theworld.