Washington DC is known as a major U.S cultural center because of its many museums, historical places, the White House, and many more symbols of national heritage. Along with being the capital, this city is intertwined with America’s history and evolution. At the same time, there are several Washington DC fun facts that you might not know. These will surely add a whole new dimension to your trip without a doubt.
Here are some fun facts about Washington DC that you might not know:
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The Rich African-American History
African Americans have played an important role in the history of this city. The city was founded in 1791 with the largest population of African Americans in the US than any other city. Some of the Washington DC fun facts include the fact that the city has housed several luminaries. These include Marvin Gaye, Duke Ellington, Frederick Douglas and many others. These are some of the legends who have shaped the city and its evolution throughout the years. Washington DC is synonymous with its rich Afro-American legacy.
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Kite Festival and Famous Cherry Blossoms
One hundred years ago, this city donated over 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the Japanese Government. Every spring, this city goes pink and celebrates the cherry blossom festival. The awe-inspiring kite festival is also one of the Washington DC fun facts that many people do not know. In the spring every year, the sky fills up with kites and it contributes towards a mesmerizing ambience overall. These are two of the most wonderful and awe-inspiring things that you should not miss while in the city.
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Secret Tunnels and Trains
The fun fact about Washington D.C is that it has secret tunnels, subways, and trains. Some visitors can travel by train and buy only a tour of the capital complex. This city is also known as an underground city because of a vast tunnel network that provides a wide range of connections between trains and secret tunnels around this city. Numerous tunnels are connected by multiple buildings and other areas of this city. The city is also famous for its secret train tracks that are worth discovering! Sounds like a lot of fun right? Get your maps out and start planning some routes that you can explore during your stay!
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World’s Largest Library
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library in Washington DC, with more than 168 million objects and books. The fun fact about this library is that it has the largest rare book collection in North America, with 700,000 volumes. This includes the world’s largest collection based on the 15th century. The entire collection includes the first book that was printed in the United States, i.e. the Bay Psalm Book, in 1640. The library covers 838 miles with 1,349 kilometers of entire bookshelves and 39 million books. You will find several furnished apartments in Washington DC nearby as well. This is handy if you are an avid reader and want to keep coming back regularly.
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George Washington Never Lived in D.C.
The White House was completed after the first President of the United States died. The fun fact is that George Washington never lived in DC, although he lent his name to it.
Also Read: Valuable Tips To Ensure Successful Travel
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The District is Named After the First President
George Washington chose 100 square miles of land in Maryland and Virginia to be the site of the nation’s capital. One of the Washington DC fun facts is that this city was named after the country’s first president.
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It is The Resting Place of a Former President
The only president who was buried in DC is Woodrow Wilson. He was buried at the Washington National Cathedral. Woodrow is one of the only presidents who were buried in this city.
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A Real Swamp
The part of the National Mall, where monuments are placed, was once a swamp. It is where the Tiber creek used to flow down the present-day Constitution Avenue. Only two
Presidents kept pet alligators in the White House though!
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The Monuments are the Tallest in the World
The Washington Monument was completed at 555 feet and 5-1/8 inches, making it the tallest in the world at the time. It is still one of the world’s tallest historical monuments, shaped like an obelisk. A visit is incomplete without checking out this massive landmark.
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Citizens Love Their Wine Immensely Here
Washington DC has the highest per capita wine drinking figures than any other State in the USA. Talk of raising a toast! Citizens here love their wine and you can sample several varieties as well.
These are some of the top things that you should keep in mind about Washington DC, before you visit. They add a fun vibe to your trip. The city is full of history and special experiences. Make sure to include them in your itinerary.
