Spotlight for Washington, DC
Formerly District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. is the permanent capital city of the United States of America. It is located right on the Potomac River and has approximately 600 thousand residents. It is also home to many integral parts of this great country, including: all three branches of the federal government, most of the nation's monuments and well-known historical museums, and most importantly, the President of the United States.
The White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court truly embody Washington, D.C. and cover all three branches of government. As most know, the White House is the home and office to the President of the United States, currently Barack Obama. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but a tour of the actual facility must be arranged with one of members of Congress. If that's not possible, the Visitor Center is located close by and allows you to experience more about the White House's architecture, furnishings, and rich history, without actually stepping foot into the establishment.
The Capitol Building is easily one of the most recognizable parts of the entire city. It's facade is indicative of 19th century neoclassical architecture and is the meeting place of the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, due to heightened security in recent years, the Capitol is open for guided tours only, for which tickets must be obtained either online or from your Congressman.
The Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority in all the land, appropriately has the most simplistic address in the country, One 1st Street. While seating is limited, visitors have the opportunity to watch legal proceedings of cases being argued, which is a very patriotic activity to partake in when visiting this great city.
Other things to do when in Washington, D.C. include: visiting the Smithsonian, touring the National Monuments and Memorials, exploring the amazing Georgetown, spending a day at Mount Vernon, and experiencing a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. is rich with culture and history. It is enveloped by the political nature and patriotic spirit of our country, which truly make it a unforgettable place for adults and children alike!
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