Why the name Washington DC?
Vikas Kumar
Many of us might wonder why the capital of the United States is named Washington D.C. In this article, we will break down each part of the name.
Why Washington?
"Washington" is named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. As one of the Founding Fathers, he played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War against British rule and in forming the new nation
Why Columbia?
The term "Columbia" was a popular poetic name for the United States during the late 18th and 19th centuries. It was inspired by Christopher Columbus, the explorer central to Europe's awareness of the Americas.
Columbus mainly explored parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and the northern coast of South America. He did not explore the mainland of North America. Other explorers were responsible for discovering various parts of North and South America. However, Columbus's role was significant in fostering awareness and leading to further exploration.
But isn't Colombia a country's name?
Yes, Colombia is a country in South America, also named after Christopher Columbus. However, it is important not to confuse it with "Columbia" in the context of the "District of Columbia" in the United States. Despite their similar names, they are entirely different.
The "Columbia" in "District of Columbia" refers specifically to the United States and is a historical poetic name unrelated to the country Colombia. This naming was a way to honor Christopher Columbus's contributions to the European discovery of the Americas.
Why is it called the District of Columbia?
The term "District of Columbia" indicates that it is a district of the United States, as "Columbia" was used to refer to the United States at that time.
It also serves to separate the capital from any state. The District of Columbia is not part of any state and is directly governed by the federal government. It does not have the same level of autonomy as a state and is not a state itself. Instead, it is a federal district.
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