10 fun and interesting Washington facts

1. The Founding Father's Vision for Washington, D.C.

In 1791, George Washington himself chose the site of the District of Columbia, which would later be known as Washington, D.C. This land was a generous gift from both Maryland and Virginia, and Washington himself was responsible for selecting the perfect spot for the nation's capital. He chose a location that was strategically located between the two states, and the city has since become a symbol of the nation's unity and strength.

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2. Politics in A City steeped in lobbyists and lawyers

Washington is a city steeped in politics, with an abundance of lobbyists and lawyers. For every United States senator, there are more than seventy lobbyists, and for every twenty residents, there is a lawyer. This is a testament to the city's political importance and the sheer number of people who are involved in the political process.

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3. The Arlington Ladies Honor the Fallen

The Arlington Ladies organization in Washington is dedicated to honoring the service of fallen soldiers. They ensure that no soldier is ever buried alone by having an Arlington Lady attend the funeral of every soldier. This is a touching gesture that shows the respect and appreciation for the service of those who have given their lives in service of their country.

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4. "Tribute to D.C.: Washington's Official Anthem"

The city of Washington, D.C. has several official anthems, one of which is the 1951 song "Washington". This song was written by a former Mouseketeer, and has since become a beloved part of the city's culture. It has been performed at many events, including the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009. The song is a tribute to the city and its people, and is a reminder of the city's rich history and culture.

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5. A State of Diversity

Washington is a culturally diverse state, with almost a quarter of its residents speaking a language other than English. This includes Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and many other languages. This diversity is reflective of the state's population, which is made up of people from all over the world. It is a testament to the state's commitment to inclusivity and acceptance of different cultures.

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6. The Fourth Tallest Building in The Capitol Building

Contrary to popular belief, the United States Capitol Building is not the tallest building in Washington. In fact, it is only the fourth tallest, with the Washington Monument, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and the Old Post Office Pavilion all standing taller. The Capitol Building stands at a height of 288 feet, while the Washington Monument stands at 555 feet, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception stands at 330 feet, and the Old Post Office Pavilion stands at 315 feet.

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7. The Washington National Mall: An Impressive Sight to Behold

The Washington National Mall is an impressive sight to behold, stretching almost twice the size of the Vatican in Rome. Spanning over two miles in length, the National Mall is home to some of the most iconic monuments and memorials in the United States, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It is also the site of many of the nation's most important political events, such as the inauguration of the President of the United States.

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8. Washington's Biggest Wine Drinkers

Washington residents have a deep appreciation for a good vintage. In fact, they consume more wine per person than any other state in the country, making them the biggest wine drinkers in the US. With over 1,000 wineries and tasting rooms, Washington is home to some of the best wines in the world, and its citizens are proud to show their love for the craft.

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9. Washington, D.C. - The Rainy City

Washington, D.C. is often referred to as "The Rainy City" due to its average annual rainfall of 39 inches or more. This is significantly higher than the national average of 37.1 inches, making it one of the rainiest cities in the United States. The city experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from humid summers to cold winters, and its location on the East Coast makes it particularly vulnerable to storms and hurricanes. With its high rainfall, Washington, D.C. is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature, but it's important to be prepared for wet weather when visiting the nation's capital.

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10. The Library of Congress: The Most Impressive Library in the World

The Library of Congress, located in Washington, D.C., is the largest library in the world, boasting an impressive collection of over 22 million cataloged items. It is the research arm of the United States Congress and is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It is also the largest library in the world, with more than 170 million items in its collections, including books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, recordings, and other materials. The Library of Congress is a treasure trove of knowledge and information, and its collections are available to the public for research and study.