14 Facts Americans Don’t Know About Washington DC

Save to Find It Later!

14 Facts Americans Don’t Know About Washington DC

Washington D.C. isn’t just the capital of the United States; it’s a city full of surprises and lesser-known facts that might catch even its residents off guard. From historical quirks to unique laws, the city presents a fascinating mix of the old and the new, the solemn and the playful. Let’s explore some intriguing facts about Washington D.C. that many Americans might not know.

1. Voting Rights in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. residents had no voice in presidential elections until the 23rd Amendment was ratified in 1961. Before this change, people living in the nation’s capital could not vote for the president and vice president of the country that they served, highlighting a significant lack of representation that lasted for much of the city’s history.

2. Crypt Beneath the Capitol Building

Beneath the bustling halls of the U.S. Capitol lies a crypt originally intended as the final resting place for George Washington. Although Washington was ultimately buried at his home in Mount Vernon, the crypt remains a part of the Capitol’s rich history, serving as a stark reminder of the nation’s early plans and reverence for its first president.

3. Illegal False Weather Reports

In Washington D.C., it’s against the law to issue a false weather report. This unusual regulation underscores the city’s focus on maintaining integrity and reliability in weather communication, crucial for a city that needs to stay prepared for all kinds of emergencies, including sudden political gatherings or significant national events.

4. The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is a treasure trove of knowledge with over 168 million items, ranging from books and recordings to photographs and maps. It’s one of the largest libraries in the world and offers an incredible resource for researchers, historians, and the general public, preserving vast collections that span multiple centuries and topics.

5. No Skyscrapers in D.C.

The distinctive skyline of Washington D.C., devoid of skyscrapers, is due to the Height of Buildings Act of 1910. This law restricts the heights of buildings to generally no more than the width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet, ensuring that the historic and aesthetic charm of the capital remains unobstructed and distinct.

6. High Psychopath Per Capita

Surprisingly, Washington D.C. has been found to have more psychopaths per capita than anywhere else in the United States. This statistic is based on studies that measure traits like lack of empathy and selfishness, possibly reflecting the aggressive competitiveness often found in high-stakes political and economic arenas.

7. Two-Toned Washington Monument

The Washington Monument’s two different colors of stone make it a visually unique landmark. Construction was halted for 25 years due to funding issues and the Civil War, leading to a noticeable color difference when building resumed with stone from a different quarry, marking a physical symbol of perseverance through adversity.

8. Darth Vader Gargoyle

The National Cathedral not only serves as a place of worship but also a canvas for modern artistic expressions, including a Darth Vader gargoyle. This quirky addition, stemming from a children’s design competition in the 1980s, showcases the cathedral’s blend of traditional gothic architecture with contemporary cultural references.

You may also like: 10 American Fast Food Items That Are Odd To The Rest Of The World

9. City Designed by Pierre L’Enfant

Washington D.C. was meticulously planned by French architect Pierre L’Enfant and is modeled after Paris. L’Enfant’s design features wide boulevards and ceremonial spaces that influenced the broad, open feel of the city’s layout, intended to inspire awe and respect for the nation’s governmental heart.

10. Confusing Street Layout

The street layout of Washington D.C. was intentionally designed to confuse invading armies. This strategic choice, incorporating numerous roundabouts and diagonal streets crossing the grid, creates a layout that can be disorienting for visitors and is a historic reminder of the city’s military considerations.

11. Capitol’s Own Subway System

The U.S. Capitol building boasts its own subway system, a practical and exclusive mode of transportation that connects the Capitol to various congressional offices. This system allows for efficient movement of lawmakers and staff across the sprawling Capitol complex, reflecting the functional needs of one of the world’s most important political hubs.

12. Moon Rock in National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral is home to a piece of moon rock, embedded in one of its stained glass windows. This rock, a gift from the Apollo 11 mission, symbolizes the connection between human achievement in space exploration and the earthly pursuit of faith and wonder.

13. JFK Center for the Performing Arts

The JFK Center for the Performing Arts stands as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, celebrating his legacy and passion for the arts. This cultural venue hosts an array of performances across disciplines, promoting artistic expression as a vital element of community and national identity.

14. Illegal to Challenge to a Duel

In a throwback to its more genteel yet violent past, it remains illegal in Washington D.C. to post a public notice calling someone a coward for refusing to accept a challenge to duel. This law is a reminder of the bygone era of personal honor disputes settled by potentially deadly encounters, now preserved in the legal code as a curiosity.

18 Surprising Facts About California You Probably Didn’t Know

Read More: 18 Surprising Facts About California You Probably Didn’t Know

23 Things Americans Do Without Realizing How Weird They Are

Read More: 23 Things Americans Do Without Realizing How Weird They Are

10 Surprising Facts About The American Prom

Read More: 10 Surprising Facts About The American Prom