Our Nation's Capital
When you think of Washington D.C., most people think of the United States government, and for a good reason. The White House and all the activity and commotion associated with it are all in Washington D.C. The history of the nations capital is like no other in the way of how it was established. Like the White House, during the War of 1812, the capital was burned by British forces. The location of where the city was going to be built was up to its founders and George Washington.
Most Americans are aware of the Constitution and have a brief knowledge and understanding of its purpose and meaning. Washington and the Constitution go “hand in hand”. “Washington, DC is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation's capital.” (Destination D.C.) It called for a central area in which the majority of governmental business would be done. One of the major roads within the city is actually called “Constitution Ave” (Google maps). When creating the capital, Washington was just trying to bring the constitution to life and abide by the governing paper.
British forced invade the United States during the war of 1812. They went to the Nation's capital which represented power and national identity. During the invasion, the British burned, “public and government buildings, including the White House, in response to American forces invading York, now known as Toronto, and burning most of it to the ground.” (Destination D.C.) All through history, and even today, Washington D.C., is one of the prominent symbols of governmental power. Washington D.C., as a place has been and most likely will be a target for terrorism due to its prominence and symbolism. As the capital, the security needs to be tight to avoid another instances such as the burning in the War of 1812.
Todays site, Washington D.C., sits on the border of two rivers, the Potomac and Anacostia. This is from a compromise made by Alexander Hamilton representing the northern states and Thomas Jefferson representing the southern states. A deal was made by these men, on the geographical location of where the capital would be. Hamilton wanted the government to assume the debt created by the Revolutionary War. Thomas Jefferson, wanted the capital to be in a location that would be good for, “slave-holding agricultural interest” (Destination D.C.) The capital also contains many roads, buildings and museums commemorating historical, powerful governmental figures. Henrey Bacon Ave, George Washington Memorial Parkway and Wilson Boulevard are just a few among the many in the city. (Smithsonian) As the capital, important historical and governmental figures are commemorated, and in a place where they will be remembered.
Washington D.C., name after George Washington is the nation's capital. Call for a capital was set out in the Constitution and George Washington brought it to life. The place of the capital resulted from a disagreement between Hamilton and Jefferson.The capital has went through a lot, during the War of 1812, it was burned by the invading British forces. The site and roads that make up Washington D.C., are related and named after governmental figures. Washington D.C. Washington D.C. The capital represents America, it's democracy, power and life over all. It will also be a targeted site by anti-American groups. Washington D.C., has been the capital for hundreds of years and will remain a major part of The United States of America.
Works Cited
Google. “Washington D.C. Map” 05 June 2011. http://maps.google.com/maps hl=en&safe=active&q=washington+dc& bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_
pw.&biw=1280&bih=570&pdl=300&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl
Smithsonian. “Washington D.C.” 05 June 2011. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/destination-hunter/north-america/united- states/east/washington-dc/washingtondc-history-heritage.html
Destination D.C. “About Washington D.C” 04 June 2011. http://washington.org/about- washington-dc