Washington, D.C., the vibrant capital of the United States, is a city steeped in history and brimming with iconic monuments. But have you ever paused to consider its unique name – the District of Columbia? It’s a question that piques the curiosity of many: Why Is Dc Called District Of Columbia? The answer lies in the fascinating story of the capital’s creation, a blend of political compromise, patriotic symbolism, and the vision of America’s founding fathers.
To understand the name, we need to journey back to the early days of the United States, when the fledgling nation was grappling with the question of a permanent capital. For a time, the Congress convened in various cities, including Baltimore, Trenton, and New York City, reflecting the lack of consensus on a fixed location. The selection of a permanent capital was a subject of intense debate among the nation’s leaders. This debate was finally addressed with the Residence Act of 1790.
This pivotal act, passed in July 1790, marked a turning point. It declared that the new capital would be situated somewhere along the Potomac River. More importantly, it entrusted President George Washington with the significant responsibility of choosing the precise location. The act also authorized Washington to appoint three commissioners to oversee the development of this federal city. A deadline was set for December 1800 to complete a legislative hall for Congress and a residence for the president, setting the stage for a new era in American governance.
In January 1791, President Washington announced his chosen site for the federal district. This area comprised 100 square miles of land ceded by Maryland and Virginia. It’s worth noting that in 1846, the Virginia portion was returned, reducing the district’s size. By September of the same year, the commissioners made two crucial naming decisions. They christened the federal city in honor of the esteemed President George Washington. Simultaneously, they designated the district encompassing the city as the Territory of Columbia. This is where the name “Columbia” enters the picture.
The name “Columbia” itself is rich in symbolism. Derived from the explorer Christopher Columbus, “Columbia” had become a popular patriotic reference for the United States during the American Revolution. It was an allegorical and poetic name for America, embodying the spirit of discovery and the ideals of the new nation. Interestingly, the designation “Territory of Columbia” was officially changed to District of Columbia in 1871, solidifying the name we use today.
The planning of this new capital city was also a significant undertaking. In the spring of 1791, President Washington engaged Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French-born architect and engineer with experience in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. L’Enfant envisioned a grand capital with wide avenues and expansive open spaces. However, his ambitious vision and strong personality led to clashes with the commissioners and local landowners. Ultimately, L’Enfant was compelled to resign from the project within a year. Despite his departure, L’Enfant’s initial design laid the groundwork for the capital’s layout, which was later refined by other planners.
Congress officially convened in Washington for the first time in November 1800, just before the passing of George Washington in December of the preceding year. In February 1801, the District of Columbia, which then included Alexandria and Georgetown, was formally placed under the jurisdiction of Congress. Today, Washington, D.C. is a thriving metropolis with over 650,000 residents. While they are represented by a non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives, the 23rd Amendment granted citizens of D.C. the right to vote for president in 1964. Furthermore, since 1974, Washingtonians have elected their own mayor and city council, marking significant steps in local governance.
In conclusion, the name District of Columbia is a deliberate and historically significant choice. “Washington” honors the nation’s first president and a pivotal figure in the capital’s establishment. “Columbia,” rooted in the name of Christopher Columbus, served as a patriotic and symbolic representation of the United States during its formative years. Together, “District of Columbia” encapsulates the unique identity of the US capital, a city born from political necessity and imbued with national pride.
