Visitor Info/Fun Facts
Washington DC is our nation’s capital. Here are some other Fun Facts* that you probably didn’t know about:
- Places Rated Almanac (2000) ranks DC the second-best overall place to live in the US behind Salt Lake City.
- More than 100 nations have embassies in Washington, DC.
- The Washington Monument is 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches tall.
- Men's Fitness magazine rates DC the fourth fittest city in the US.
- Washington, DC's U Street neighborhood was once known as "Black Broadway" and was where Duke Ellington grew up.
- FamilyFun magazine voted DC the best city destination for family travel in the United States.
- The National Gallery of Art is home to the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in North America.
- The National Museum of Health and Medicine displays the bullet that killed Lincoln. The museum at Ford's Theater has the gun. The hat that Lincoln was wearing is on display at the National Museum of American History.
- The original name of Washington, DC was "Federal City."
- The Pentagon has 17-1/2 miles of corridors.
- Movies such as A Few Good Men, An American President, Forrest Gump, Contact, Wag the Dog and Thirteen Days were filmed in Washington, DC.
From its celebrated symbols of patriotism to its undiscovered neighborhoods, the sights and sounds of the nation's capital inspire millions of visitors every year. Packed with famous sights, free attractions and an endless calendar of special events, Washington, DC offers year-round inspiring experiences.
To learn more, visit the Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation Web site.
* Taken from the Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation Web site.