Why Is It Named Meridian Hill?
This is a great bit of Washington trivia for everyone to commit to memory … especially if you live anywhere along 16th St. NW. Pierre L’Enfant had originally planned the City of Washington around a right triangle, with the eastern...
Why Is There No J Street in DC? Blame Latin.
In the English alphabet, the letter J looked too much like the letter I, so Pierre L'Enfant omitted J street.
John Adams Makes Washington, D.C. Official Capital
Why is Washington, DC the capital? John Adams rode from Philadelphia to DC over an entire week. Read the story of his full journey.
Washington is Composed of Land from 19 Original Owners
19 original landowners were negotiated with, directly by George Washington in March, 1791. He met them during the day and in the evening, closed the deal with them at Suter's Tavern in Georgetown.
Who Almost Designed the White House?
Way back in the day, the building we now know as the White House was called the “President’s Palace”, “President’s Mansion”, or the “President’s House.” The nomenclature evolved over time, with the accepted name for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue becoming the...
Who Was the First Mayor of Washington?
Who was the first mayor of Washington? It wasn't Walter Washington or Marion Barry. Have you hear of Robert Brent? He was Thomas Jefferson's friend.
Why Is It Named Constitution Avenue?
Do you know why it's named Constitution Avenue? There's an interesting story behind it which includes the state of Wisconsin.