You could read dozens of volumes about Washington, D.C., and merely scratch the surface of the rich history associated with our Nation’s Capital. From high-profile local incidents to the federal government’s role in national and global affairs, events emblazoned on today’s front pages frequently turn up in tomorrow’s historical tomes. In this chapter we won’t attempt a scholarly discourse on the people and episodes that shaped our fair city. Rather, we offer a thumbnail sketch of Washington history, featuring landmark events from the District’s shaky beginnings to its even shakier recent past. (For more about current conditions here, see the Metro Washington Overview chapter.)
Don’t fret: You won’t be quizzed! You may, however, learn a few intriguing facts about places you’ll undoubtedly encounter during your forays into this unique city.