District of Columbia, Federal district (c.68 sq mi/177 sq km; 1995 est. pop. 554,256), on the E bank of the Potomac R., coextensive with the city of Washington, D.C. (capital of the U.S.); 38°54'N 77°01'W. The District was established by congressional acts of 1790 and 1791 on a site selected by George Washington. It was originally a 10 mi/16 km square (100 sq mi/259 sq km), with Md. and Va. granting land on each side of the river, including the town of Georgetown and the co. of Alexandria respectively. The “Federal City” was laid out at its center. Alexandria co., at the request of its inhabitants, was returned to Va. in 1846. The city continued to grow on the E bank of the river and in 1878, when Georgetown became a part of Washington (although it continued to operate as a separate city until 1895), the city of Washington and the District of Columbia became one and the same. Although “Washington” is the name known throughout the world, the city is more commonly called “the District” by its own residents. The District has no legal subdivisions, but has been geographically divided into quadrants centered on the U.S. Capitol. Northeast (NE) comprises the area E of North Capitol St. and N of East Capitol St. The area is largely residential, but also includes a large part of Washington’s small industrial sector — printing and publishing firms, bakeries, machine shops, and warehouse facilities. The Natl. Arboretum is here. Northwest (NW) is the largest quadrant, and includes all areas W of North Capitol St. and N of the National Mall. This area contains the White House, Georgetown, many govt. offices, Embassy Row, most of downtown Washington’s office blocks, and extensive residential areas. Large apartment complexes line the main arteries, and exclusive neighborhoods are found in “upper” NW. Southeast (SE) comprises the area E of South Capitol St. and S of East Capitol St. Primarily a residential area stretching from the upscale town houses on Capitol Hill to Anacostia, where many of the city’s poorer housing projects are located. The Washington Navy Yard and Fort Dupont Park are also here. Southwest (SW) is the smallest quadrant, and includes the area W of South Capitol St. and S of the National Mall. Bolling Air Force Base is here, and parts of the waterfront have been redeveloped to include condominiums, restaurants, and marina facilities. For more information, see Washington, D.C.
