Washington is one of the most popular cities in the world. It was founded at the end of the eighteenth century on the East Coast. The future capital of the United States of America is named after one of the presidents - George Washington.
Initially, the city was a square territory divided into two parts. There was Washington on one side and Alexandria on the other. Between them flowed the Potamak River. But in the mid-nineteenth century, they disunited, and Alexandria became part of Virginia.
An interesting fact is that on the territory of the capital the slave trade was prohibited, and on the territory of Alexandria it was not prohibited, but all the same the laws were not respected. The last slaves in Washington were released in 1862.
Now Washington is not included in the states of the country, it is a separate territory. This area is called the District of Columbia. Do not confuse the city with the state of the same name.
Washington's attractions are the most interesting in the whole country. That is why the area attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. The capital of the United States of America is considered one of the richest monuments of history. There are many architectural structures, museums, theaters and more.
Most of the monuments are made of white marble. Thanks to this, the city stands out from the rest. All this will be described in more detail in the next part of the article.
Washington DC Attractions
As already mentioned, the district is rich in architectural monuments. There are many in this area, and you can talk about it for hours. We will talk about the most remarkable of them.
Indeed, most of Washington's sights are made of white marble. This is a distinctive feature of the city. In addition, there are many picturesque parks, beautiful fountains and ponds, as well as entertainment centers and expensive hotels.
The text will be named the sights of Washington in English with a translation.
The White House
The White House is the residence of the President of the United States of America. At the moment, he is one of the most famous entrepreneurs and showmen of the country, Donald Trump. This place is the main symbol of the power of the state.
By the way, this is the most famous monument in the world, made of white sandstone. Around the building is a picturesque park and many flower beds.
Most people don’t know why the president’s residence - one of Washington DC's attractions - is called the White House. In fact, there are several versions of the origin of this appellation. Basically, everyone is inclined to the option with a white lining. By the way, the name of the building was given by one of the presidents, Theodore Roosevelt. But this happened only a hundred years after the end of construction.
It is also worth talking about the main events in the history of the residence of the president.
The first stone was laid in 1792. The architect of the building is James Hoben. Construction was completed by the beginning of the nineteenth century. In 1901, the building was renamed the White House. In 1942, the building was reconstructed and acquired a modern appearance.
Capitol Building (The Capitol Building)
This is the second most important landmark in Washington (photo above). The city is extremely proud of it. Most likely, every person from anywhere in the world at least once saw an image of this magnificent structure. It is located on Capitol Hill. The idea of erecting this monument came to George Washington, and construction began in 1793. The name of the architect of the Capitol is still unknown. Outwardly, the Cathedral of Rome served as a landmark for Washington.
In the middle of the second decade of the nineteenth century, England could not accept the fact that America was independent, and decided to burn the Capitol building. The structure was destroyed to the ground. It took the United States more than five years to rebuild.
Near the building are the monuments of American presidents - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
As for subsequent external changes, they were made only a few times. In the early sixties of the last century, a statue of liberty was erected on the dome of the building. After some time, they carried out heating, and also built elevators. Later they added an eastern facade.
More than five million tourists visit this place every year. Today, there are about five hundred and fifty rooms inside the building, but only two of them can be seen by travelers. Excursions to this Washington landmark are free. You only need to present your passport at the entrance and get a ticket.
The Lincoln Memorial
It is believed that Abraham Lincoln is the most respected president of the United States of America, as he is associated with the majority of the indigenous people with good faith and reliability.
The government found it necessary to erect a monument in memory of Lincoln opposite the National Gallery in Washington State. It happened after the assassination of the president. For many, this place has become almost sacred. It is believed that the monument is a symbol of equality between people on the entire planet, and it does not matter what religion and race they are.
Before building the monument, a large-scale competition for the best work was announced in the country. Many participants from different parts of the country and the world decided to participate in this. The best option was recognized as a drawing of two American sculptors - Daniel French and Henry Bacon.
Construction lasted more than five years and was completed by the beginning of the second decade of the twentieth century. At the opening of the monument was attended by more than fifty thousand people. It was truly massive. The main guest of the celebration was the son of Abraham Lincoln, Robert. After paying tribute to the sixteenth president of the United States, the government breathed a sigh of relief.
There are several interesting legends associated with this memorial. They say that on the back of the monument the name of the owner of the mansion, in which the sculpture is located, was carved. According to another legend, in sign language, President Lincoln shows his initials.
Washington National Cathedral
In Washington County, this attraction is one of the most popular in the city, as well as throughout the country. In terms of scale, the cathedral ranks sixth in the world (in the Neo-Gothic style). The construction is made in medieval Gothic style.
Construction began in the first decade of the twentieth century and lasted about eighty-three years. At the opening, President George W. Bush was present.
The monument is included in the register of the most valuable monuments of the United States of America. Unfortunately, several years ago, three spiers were partially destroyed due to an earthquake.
At this place, ceremonies took place before the burial of the three presidents of America. Among them are Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, as well as Dwight Eisenhower.
Since the beginning of 2003, same-sex couples are allowed to marry in the cathedral.
The Library of Congress
What other attractions in Washington are there? In addition to the above, in the capital of the United States of America there are several more main buildings. For example, the building of the Library of Congress.
The construction is divided into four parts. The most interesting of these is the Thomas Jefferson Building. The architectural monument is notable for its luxury and grace. In addition, there is the John Adams Building, the James Madison Memorial Building and the Audiovisual Conservation Center.
Interestingly, all parts of the structure are connected by underground passages. Readers will have to be protected only at the entrance.
As for the organization, the library has eighteen rooms. In total, this is more than one and a half thousand places. In the capital of Russia there is a bureau of this library.
Seattle (Washington) Attractions
This part of the article will talk about the largest city in the state of Washington. He is one of the most modern and dynamic. There are many skyscrapers, as well as the most beautiful and picturesque parks in the country.
Space Needle (SpaceNeedle)
The tower was built in the early sixties of the twentieth century. Her style is associated with the era of those years. The architectural style of the googie was very popular in America.
By the way, if you suddenly get hungry, then at an altitude of 160 meters there is a Skycity restaurant with beautiful views of the city. It offers stunning views of Seattle's attractions, as well as Eliot Bay.
As you know, the 2011 earthquake damaged many important architectural structures of the state of Washington, but the Space Needle Tower is able to withstand natural unrest marking more than nine points.
Chewing Gum Wall (Gum Wall)
Another of the city’s most interesting sights. The wall has been completely glued with chewing gum since 1993, and thousands of people supplement it daily.
It all started with the fact that schoolchildren and students, passing by or standing in line at the box office, always liked to sculpt rubber. The city government tried to constantly fight this, but later surrendered. And since then, this place has become a Seattle landmark.
Public Library
The public library consists of twenty-seven branches. The head office is located in an eleven-story building, which is made of glass and steel. It is believed that this place is one of the most attractive throughout Seattle.
The collection of books in the library began in 1890. At the moment, the fund stores more than three million different publications.
Pike Place Market (Public Market Center)
The store began its work in the first decade of the twentieth century. This is a very popular market among citizens. Here you can buy old antique items and various second-hand goods. In addition, there is the opportunity to find seafood, as well as various farm products.
This place often hosts performances by street clowns and musicians on an impromptu stage. In addition, there are inexpensive restaurants in the market where you can always have a tasty snack.
Safeco Field (Safeco Field)
The famous baseball stadium of incredible proportions, built in 1999 in the Art Nouveau style. An interesting feature is the retractable roof. Of course, many arenas have it, but in America it is special.
The capacity of the stadium is 48,000 people. The stadium is not just for baseball games. Sometimes there are American football matches.
Museum of Aviation (Museum of Flight)
The museum does not belong to the state. It is non-profit, but private. Most tourists from all over the world are delighted with it.
It was built in 1965. As exhibits inside the building you can see real airplanes, most of which are very unusual.
Air vehicles of Russia, Japan, Germany and not only are presented here. Among the attractions you can see the planes that participated in the First and Second World Wars. In addition, photographs from the history of Boeing Corporation hang on the walls of the building. Indeed, it was here that some time ago the main office was located. Now in this architectural structure, many students of aviation universities and colleges undergo practical training, gaining new interesting knowledge.
I would also like to note the presence of a large-scale library in one of the rooms.
About five hundred thousand tourists visit the museum every year, and it is possible that after some time even more travelers from different parts of the world will learn about this wonderful place.
Conclusion
Washington is one of the greatest cities in the history of America. The architecture of the capital of the United States is different from other cities in the country, and this is what makes it unlike other places. We hope that the sights of Washington in English helped you familiarize yourself with and understand the original names of architectural structures.