From the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol and the White House to the poignant memorials dedicated to our war heroes, Washington, D.C. offers a window into the heart of America. Put your finger on the pulse of American politics in the city where policies that shape our nation are made every day. The nation’s capital and home to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., abounds with world-class museums, galleries and monuments dedicated to American history, to our leaders and to our war veterans.
Washington, D.C. has a humid subtropical climate, typical of Mid-Atlantic U.S. areas removed from bodies of water, with four distinct seasons.
The history of Washington, D.C. is tied to its role as the capital of the United States. The site along the Potomac River was chosen for the capital city by George Washington. The city came under attack during the War of 1812 in an episode known as the 'Burning of Washington.' The city was reconstructed to include many public buildings, including the White House and United States Capitol Building. The McMillan Plan of 1901 helped restore and beautify the downtown core area, including the National Mall, many monuments and museums.