Washington Real Estate
In 1790, George Washington selected the exact location for the Federal City in the hopes of settling an ongoing rivalry between the northern and southern states. The initial “planned city” concept and layout was completed by French engineer and architect, Major Pierre L'Enfant. Today, L'Enfant's layout of the city is considered America's most notable achievement in municipal planning.
Unfortunately after numerous disputes and arguments with city officials and Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, L’Enfant was fired. To complete the job, George Washington turned to the renowned surveyor Andrew Ellicott. Ellicott was charged with the responsibility of completing the design work and the creation of a usable map. Ellicott asked his neighbor, Benjamin Banneker, a free black man, and self-taught mathematician and astronomer, to assist him with the monumental task.
Congress and President Adams officially moved into the new capital city in 1800. Regrettably, they found themselves temporarily kicked out by the British who sacked and burned most of the city’s public buildings including the White House and Capitol during the War of 1812. Though most of the city burned to the ground, there was never any question that the city would rebuild. The process was slow, but steady throughout most of the nineteenth century. During the Civil War years, Washington experienced a population explosion with the number doubling from 60,000 to well over 120,000 occupants. By the early twentieth century, Washington had established its unique identity not only as America’s capital, but as an international powerhouse.
Geographically, the District of Columbia spreads out over sixty-seven square miles and is divided into four quadrants: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast. The U.S. Capitol building marks the center where all four quadrants meet. Washington, DC is marked by over eight miles of water surface, tree-lined streets, and spacious landscaped parks. Visitors to the city enjoy its distinct neighborhoods, open spaces and clean skyline. Unlike many other major metropolitan areas, skyscrapers are not found throughout the city. The only skyscraper that Washington can boast of is the Washington Monument.
According to a recent national survey by the Travel Industry Association of America, Washington is now ranked fourth on the list of most popular U.S. travel destinations. The city is celebrated for its role as guardian to America’s rich history, abundant patriotic symbols, plentiful cherry blossoms, trees, and spacious city design. There is no question that the city continues to inspire and strike awe in millions of visitors each year.
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Fast Facts
- 2000 census population: 572,059
- Racial makeup: Black/African American – 60%; White – 30.8%; Hispanic/Latino – 7.9%, and Asian – 2.7%
- Population: Age 18 and over - 79.9%; 65 and over - 12.3%
- Language: residents age 5 and older speaking English in the home - 83.2%; Spanish - 9.2%
- 2000 median household income: $41,000
- Median age: 34.6