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| City Guide - Washington, DC - City Overview | ||
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City Overview It is hard to believe when looking along the elegant National Mall, framed by stately buildings, that the land on which Washington, DC was built was originally marshy swamp. Chosen by George Washington because of its strategic location between the South and the North and its accessibility to the sea along the Potomac River, it also avoided the problem of establishing the capital city in any one state. Originally designed by the French architect Pierre L'Enfant in 1791, Washington, DC is a city of green parks, wide tree-lined streets and very few skyscrapers, all of which give it a European air. It is a city of grand buildings, such as the White House and the US Capitol, and impressive monuments, such as the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial - very much a purpose-built capital. Congress and the second President, John Adams, moved to Washington, DC only in 1800. It was another six decades before it began to look like a capital city and in the meantime it was considered a hardship posting by foreign ambassadors. Now, it is the place to be - the political centre stage. As the capital of the most powerful nation in the world, Washington, DC is always in the international spotlight. Occasionally this attention is not welcome - during times of political scandal, such as the Watergate affair, the imprisonment of Mayor Marion Barry for drug offences and the Monica Lewinsky affair. Most recently, the world watched Washington struggle through the 2000 presidential elections. Washington, DC (Washington to visitors and DC or the District to locals) is divided into four quadrants - northwest (NW), northeast (NE), southeast (SE) and southwest (SW). It is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own diverse culture. Capitol Hill, beyond the Capitol, is a blend of government buildings, townhouses and speciality shops and restaurants. Foggy Bottom, also home to several government buildings, is now a charming, quiet neighbourhood. Perhaps the most famous is Georgetown, a historic district with elegant townhouses, home to many influential residents, as well as chic restaurants and shops. One of the most colourful neighbourhoods is Adams Morgan, with an eclectic mix of international restaurants, ethnic stores and late-night entertainment. Tourism is the capital's primary industry after the federal government and over 20 million visitors arrive each year, mainly in the summer when it is very hot and humid, in comparison to the winter when it can be bitterly cold and wet. They are drawn by the wealth of impressive monuments and museums, many of which have free entry. Other important industries located here include trade associations, law, higher education and publishing. The city is also the headquarters for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. However, Washington, DC has a downside that visitors to the capital rarely see. as they tour the safe downtown area with its open spaces, museums and landmarks. Apparently wealthy on the surface, the city has one of the highest crime rates in America, high levels of unemployment, illiteracy and drug abuse. The percentage of DC residents below the poverty line and on public assistance has increased to around 30%. All of this has driven middle-class families out of the city centre into the suburbs and neighbouring states. Despite the city's problems, the power and the politics are a heady mix, making Washington, DC one of the most visited destinations in the country. So much American history is crammed into the city with its wealth of monuments, public buildings, museums and memorials to past heroes that visitors cannot fail to be impressed. |
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