10 Facts You Might Not Know About Washington

Washington, D.C. is an enigmatic city, so savvy travelers looking for hostels perfectly placed in Washington’s cozy quarters are wise to research some behind-the-scenes facts to better relate to this unique national capital.

There is no Washington

Technically, Washington is not a city but is officially designated the District of Columbia. Washington, D.C. became the official “nickname” in 1871when the Organic Act officially combined the cities of Washington and Georgetown.

Only Major US City without Skyscrapers

Since 1894, building height rules were established in D.C., originally stating no structures could exceed the reach of a fire truck’s ladder. Of course, legends claim the city planners didn’t want anything overshadowing the Capitol complex, but for whatever reason, in 1989 Congress officially set height restrictions on commercial and residential buildings, causing D.C. land values to soar.

The American Palace

The first family’s residence was originally called the President’s Palace. It wasn’t until 1901 that Theodore Roosevelt officially changed the named to the White House.

The Celestial City

Washington D.C. was laid out by Master Mason Pierre L’Enfant who aligned the Federal Triangle (the Washington Monument, the White House and the Capitol building) along the three main stars of Virgo.

Taxation without Representation

In the seat of democracy, District of Columbia residents pay taxes, yet didn’t have representation until the 23rd amendment in 1961 granted them the right to have their votes counted in a presidential election.

Mansions to Embassies

The super-rich of Washington’s glory days in the late 1900s constructed elaborate mansions along Massachusetts and New Hampshire Avenues but were forced to sell after the great depression. Foreign governments gobbled them up and these neighborhoods are now known as “Embassy Row.”

The Underground

Under the streets of D.C. are thousands of tunnels linking government buildings, private residences and secret meeting rooms that allow prominent Washington figures to move about without attracting attention. Although some of these clandestine tunnels are still in use, many of the abandoned conduits are being renovated by the Dupont Underground into a world-class business and art center highlighting innovative entrepreneurship.

Only American Place to get Face to Face with da Vinci

Of all the cities in the US, the National Gallery of Art in D.C. is the only place you can see an original painting by one of history’s most intriguing men, Leonardo da Vinci. All other works by this master are in European museums or private collections.

Nightmare on M Street

The outdoor steps where the priest was hurled to his death while battling a demon-possessed little Georgetown resident have becomepart of the legacy of this University section of D.C. Each Halloween, The Exorcist in shown and followed by a tour of nearby movie locations that culminates at the Exorcist Steps.

Heavy Water

The tap water in DC has become a hot issue, with lawsuits ongoing regarding the widespread health effects of lead contamination due to the deteriorating water system. Visitors are wise to avoid drinking unfiltered water in hotels and restaurants.