History of Washington, D.C. in Timeline

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a federal district located on the Potomac River, bordering Virginia and Maryland. Named after George Washington and personified as Columbia, it serves as the nation's political center. It houses important government buildings, monuments, and museums, making it a major landmark and a significant historical and cultural hub.

1901: McMillan Plan finalized

In 1901, the McMillan Plan was finalized, aiming to beautify Washington's ceremonial core by relandscaping the Capitol grounds and the National Mall, clearing slums, and establishing a new citywide park system.

1908: Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Built

In 1908, the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue was built in Washington D.C."s Chinatown.

1910: Height of Buildings Act

In 1910, the federal Height of Buildings Act was enacted, prohibiting buildings with height exceeding the width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet.

August 6, 1918: Highest recorded temperature

On August 6, 1918, Washington, D.C. recorded its highest temperature of 106 °F (41 °C).

1922: Largest snowstorm since official measurements began

From January 27 to 28, 1922, Washington, D.C. received 28 inches of snowfall, the largest snowstorm since official measurements began in 1885.

1925: United States Navy Band Founded

Founded in 1925, the United States Navy Band has its headquarters at the Washington Navy Yard.

July 20, 1930: Highest recorded temperature

On July 20, 1930, Washington, D.C. recorded its highest temperature of 106 °F (41 °C).

1935: Completion of United States Supreme Court Building

The United States Supreme Court Building was completed in 1935.

1938: D.C. Flag Adopted

The flag of Washington, D.C., was adopted in 1938.

1940: African American population

Between 1800 and 1940, African American residents composed about 30% of Washington, D.C.'s total population.

1950: Peak population

By 1950, Washington, D.C.'s population reached its peak of 802,178 residents.

1950: Arena Stage Founded

In 1950, Arena Stage was founded, achieving national attention and spurring growth in the city's independent theater movement.

1957: Islamic Center of Washington Opening

In 1957, The Islamic Center of Washington opened and was the largest mosque in the Western Hemisphere at the time.

1958: Ben's Chili Bowl Founding

Ben's Chili Bowl was founded on U Street in 1958.

1961: 23rd Amendment Ratified

In 1961, the 23rd Amendment was ratified, granting Washington, D.C., three electoral college votes in each presidential election.

1961: 23rd Amendment Granted Presidential Voting Rights

In 1961, the 23rd Amendment was ratified, which granted the people of Washington, D.C., the right to vote for the president by giving them electoral college votes.

1961: Presidential electors granted

In 1961, the city's voters were granted the right to choose three presidential electors following the passage of the Twenty-third Amendment.

1961: Lowest Murder Count Before 2012

In 1961, the murder count in Washington D.C. was the lowest it had been before the historic low in 2012.

1964: Construction of Capital's Beltway

The Capital's Beltway, Interstate 495, the city's highway loop (beltway) was constructed in 1964.

1964: Solidly Democratic

Washington, D.C., has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate solidly since it was granted electoral votes in 1964.

April 4, 1968: Riots broke out following assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

On April 4, 1968, riots erupted in Washington, D.C., following the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., causing widespread damage and unrest.

1968: Ben's Chili Bowl During Race Riots

In 1968, Ben's Chili Bowl rose to prominence as a peaceful escape during the violent race riots in the city.

1970: African American population peak

By 1970, the black population of Washington, D.C. reached a peak of 70%.

1973: Home Rule Act Enacted

In 1973, Congress enacted the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which provided for an elected mayor and a 13-member council for the district.

1973: Locally elected government established

Since 1973, a locally elected mayor and 13-member council have governed Washington D.C., though Congress retains the power to overturn local laws.

1975: First elected black mayor

In 1975, Walter Washington became the District of Columbia's first elected and first black mayor.

March 27, 1976: Opening of the Washington Metro

The Washington Metro opened on March 27, 1976, consisting of six lines, 98 stations, and 129 miles (208 km) of track.

1976: GALA Hispanic Theatre Founded

Founded in 1976, the GALA Hispanic Theatre is a National Center for the Latino Performing Arts.

1976: Handgun Ban

In 1976, Washington D.C. introduced a handgun ban, which was later challenged and overturned by the Supreme Court in 2008.

1976: Marine Corps Marathon Began

The Marine Corps Marathon began in 1976.

1978: Amendment Passed but Not Ratified for Congressional Representation

In 1978, another amendment was passed but not ratified by the states to grant D.C. congressional representation.

1978: District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment Passed

In 1978, the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment was passed, which would have granted D.C. Congressional representation.

1986: District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment Expired

In 1986, the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment expired without being ratified into law.

1989: District Labeled "The Worst City Government in America"

In 1989, during Marion Barry's administration as mayor, Washington Monthly magazine labeled the District of Columbia "the worst city government in America" due to mismanagement and waste.

1990: Religious Groups in D.C.

In 1990, Black Protestants were the largest religious group in Washington, D.C.

1991: Peak in Murders

In 1991, Washington, D.C. experienced a peak in murders, recording 479 homicides.

1995: Creation of District of Columbia Financial Control Board

In 1995, at the start of Marion Barry's fourth term, Congress created the District of Columbia Financial Control Board to oversee all municipal spending.

1998: Election of Mayor Anthony Williams

In 1998, Anthony Williams won election as mayor and began overseeing a period of urban renewal and budget surpluses.

2000: Population change

Between 2000 and 2010, there was a 31.4% increase in the non-Hispanic white population and an 11.5% decrease in the black population in Washington, D.C.

2000: Religious Groups in D.C.

In 2000, Catholics were the largest religious group in Washington, D.C.

2001: District Regains Control Over Finances

In 2001, the District of Columbia regained control over its finances and the operations of the oversight board were suspended.

2005: Poll on D.C. Representation Awareness

A 2005 poll found that 78% of Americans did not know residents of Washington, D.C., have less representation in Congress than residents of the 50 states.

2005: Poverty level

In 2005, 19% of Washington D.C. residents were below the poverty level.

2006: Educational attainment

In 2006, half of Washington D.C. residents had at least a four-year college degree.

2007: Illiteracy rate

As of 2007, about one-third of Washington, D.C., residents were functionally illiterate, more than the national rate of about one in five.

2007: Increase in Public Charter School Enrollment

By 2007, enrollment in public charter schools had steadily increased due to perceived problems with the traditional public school system.

2007: Most popular buildings

In 2007, six of the top ten buildings in the American Institute of Architects' ranking of America's Favorite Architecture were in Washington, D.C.

June 26, 2008: Supreme Court Ruling on Handgun Ban

On June 26, 2008, the Supreme Court of the United States held in District of Columbia v. Heller that the city's 1976 handgun ban violated the right to keep and bear arms as protected under the Second Amendment.

2008: Private School Enrollment

In 2008, approximately 18,000 students were enrolled in the 92 private schools in D.C.

2008: SmartBike DC Pilot Program Began

In 2008, the SmartBike DC pilot program, preceding Capital Bikeshare, had begun.

2008: Nationals Park Opened

Nationals Park opened in 2008.

2009: HIV/AIDS epidemic

A 2009 report found that at least three percent of Washington, D.C., residents have HIV or AIDS, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) characterizes as a "generalized and severe" epidemic.

2009: Same-sex marriage authorized

In 2009, legislation authorizing same-sex marriage passed in Washington, D.C.

2009: End of Student Decrease in DCPS

The number of students in DCPS (District of Columbia Public Schools) steadily decreased for 39 years until 2009.

March 2010: Same-sex marriage licenses issued

In March 2010, Washington, D.C. began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

2010: Traffic Delays and Commuting Methods

According to a 2010 study, Washington-area commuters spent 70 hours a year in traffic delays, tying with Chicago for the nation's worst road congestion; however, 37% of commuters used public transportation.

2010: Population count

According to data from 2010, commuters from the suburbs boost Washington D.C.'s daytime population past one million.

2010: Arena Stage Reopened

Arena Stage reopened after a renovation and expansion in the city's emerging Southwest waterfront area in 2010.

2010: Charter School Enrollment Increase

As of 2010, D.C. charter schools had a total enrollment of about 32,000, a 9% increase from the prior year.

2010: Age demographics

As of 2010, about 17% of Washington, D.C. residents were age 18 or younger, and the district had a median age of 34 years old.

2010: Health insurance coverage

As of 2010, more than 90% of Washington, D.C., residents had health insurance coverage.

2010: Religious Groups in D.C.

In 2010, Mainline Protestants were the largest religious group in Washington, D.C.

2010: Capital Bikeshare Program Started

In 2010, the Capital Bikeshare program started and became one of the largest bicycle sharing systems in the country.

2010: Student Enrollment in DCPS

In the 2010-11 school year, 46,191 students were enrolled in the District of Columbia Public School system (DCPS).

2011: Largest Companies in the Country

According to statistics compiled in 2011, four of the largest 500 companies in the country were based in Washington, D.C.

2011: Primary language

As of 2011, 85% of Washington, D.C. residents age 5 and older spoke English at home as a primary language.

2011: Union Station Renovations

Following renovations in 2011, Union Station became Washington's primary intercity bus transit center.

2011: Washington Post Readership

In 2011, The Washington Post had the sixth-highest readership of all news dailies in the United States.

2012: Spending on Homeless Families in Hotels

During the winter of 2012, the city spent $2,544,454 on putting homeless families in hotels due to a law requiring shelter for everyone when temperatures drop below freezing and a shortage of shelter units.

2012: Tourism Contribution to Local Economy

In 2012, some 18.9 million visitors contributed an estimated $4.8 billion to the local economy in Washington, D.C.

2012: Historic Low in Murders

In 2012, the number of murders in Washington, D.C. reached a historic low of 88, the lowest total since 1961.

2012: Federal Taxes Paid by D.C. Residents and Businesses

In the financial year 2012, D.C. residents and businesses paid $20.7 billion in federal taxes, which was more than the taxes collected from 19 states and the highest federal taxes per capita.

2013: Low Number of Unprosecuted Cases

By October 2023, the rate of unprosecuted cases in D.C. was almost twice what it was in 2013.

2013: Budget for Hotel Beds for Homeless

In 2013, D.C. budgeted $3.2 million on hotel beds for homeless individuals, as the city's shelters do not have enough units and must book hotel rooms in the suburbs when the temperature drops below freezing.

2013: Plan to Bury Power Lines

In 2013, a plan was initiated to bury an additional 60 miles (97 km) of primary power lines throughout the District of Columbia.

2013: Smithsonian Visits

In 2013, the Smithsonian's locations had a combined total of 30 million visits.

2013: Commuting Methods

In 2013, the Washington Metropolitan Area had the eighth lowest percentage of workers who commuted by private automobile (75.7 percent), with 8 percent of area workers traveling via rail transit.

2014: Corcoran College of Art and Design absorbed into GWU

In 2014, the Corcoran College of Art and Design, the oldest art school in the capital, was absorbed into the George Washington University and now serves as its college of arts.

2015: Decrease in Homicides

In 2016, the Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. tallied a 17% decrease in homicides from 2015.

2015: UNPO Member

Since 2015, Washington, D.C., has been a member state of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).

2016: Metropolitan area population

As of 2016, the Washington metropolitan area had an estimated six million residents.

2016: Washington Post Sells El Tiempo Latino

In 2016, The Washington Post sold the Spanish-language newspaper El Tiempo Latino to El Planeta Media.

2016: DC Streetcar Line Reintroduced

In 2016, Washington, D.C. reintroduced a streetcar line, DC Streetcar, in Northeast Washington, D.C., along H Street and Benning Road, known as the H Street/Benning Road Line.

2016: GDP Per Capita Ranking

In 2016, Washington, D.C.'s GDP per capita was $160,472, almost three times greater than that of Massachusetts, which was ranked second in the nation.

2016: Referendum on D.C. statehood

In 2016, a referendum on D.C. statehood resulted in an 85% support among Washington, D.C., voters for it to become the nation's 51st state.

2016: Increase in Homicides

In 2016, the Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. tallied 135 homicides, marking a 53% increase from 2012 but a 17% decrease from 2015.

January 2017: Trump Inauguration Costs

In January 2017, Donald Trump's inauguration cost the city $27 million, of which $7 million was never repaid to the Emergency Planning and Security Fund.

March 2017: Statehood bill introduced

In March 2017, the city's congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced a bill for statehood.

2017: Income data

In 2017, the median household income in Washington, D.C. was $77,649, and the personal income per capita was $50,832.

2018: Report on Ex-Convicts

According to a 2018 report, 67,000 residents, or about 10% of the population of D.C., were ex-convicts.

2018: ParkScore Ranking

In 2018, Washington, D.C. was ranked third in the nation for park access and quality in the ParkScore ranking of the park systems of the nation's 100 most populous cities.

2018: Washington, D.C. Airport System Ranking

In 2018, the Washington, D.C. area was the 18th-busiest airport system in the world by passenger traffic, accumulating over 74 million passengers between its three main commercial airports.

July 2019: Population estimate

As of July 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the population of Washington, D.C. was 705,749.

2019: Most Popular Sports Team

As of 2019, The Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball are the most popular sports team in the District.

2019: Decline in Crime

By 2019, citywide reports of both property and violent crimes in Washington, D.C. had declined from their most recent highs in the mid-1990s.

2019: "A Salute to America" Independence Day Event

In 2019, Trump's Independence Day event, "A Salute to America", cost six times more than Independence Day events in past years.

2019: Highest Median Household Income

In 2019, Washington, D.C., had the highest median household income in the U.S. at $92,266.

2019: D.C. Admission Act reintroduced

In 2019, the Washington, D.C., Admission Act was reintroduced in Congress.

2020: Demographic data

According to 2020 Census Bureau data, the population of Washington, D.C., was 41.4% Black or African American, 39.6% White, 4.9% Asian, 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.1% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and 5.4% Some Other Race.

2020: Think Tanks in D.C.

As of 2020, 8% of the country's think tanks are based in Washington, D.C.

2020: Population per census

As of the 2020 census, the population of Washington D.C. was 689,545.

2020: Religious Adherence in D.C.

In 2020, 56% of Washington, D.C. residents were adherents of a religious body, with Evangelical Protestantism being the largest tradition represented.

2020: Combined statistical area population

In 2020, the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area had a population exceeding 9.8 million residents.

2020: Washington Redskins Name Change

The Washington Commanders were named the Washington Redskins until 2020.

April 2021: House passed D.C. Admission Act

In April 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Washington, D.C., Admission Act.

2021: Walk Score Ranking

A 2021 study by Walk Score ranked Washington, D.C. the fifth-most walkable city in the country.

2021: Senator Manchin Opposes D.C. Statehood Bill

In 2021, Senator Joe Manchin voiced his non-support of the D.C. Statehood bill and suggested giving D.C. statehood by constitutional amendment.

2021: Increase in Homicides

In 2021, Washington D.C. saw over 200 homicides, reflecting an upward trend from prior decades.

2021: House of Representatives Passes D.C. Statehood Bill

In 2021, a bill to make D.C. a state passed the House of Representatives but not the Senate.

2021: Bill Introduced to Congress for Retroceding the District to Maryland

In 2021, a bill was introduced to Congress for retroceding the district to Maryland, in an effort to provide the residents with State representation.

2021: Statehood bill passed in House of Representatives

In 2021, a statehood bill for Washington, D.C. passed the House of Representatives but was not adopted by the U.S. Senate. The bill aimed to rename the city Washington, Douglass Commonwealth and shrink the Federal District.

2021: Federal District Size and Statehood Complications

In 2021, regarding the federal district size in consideration of statehood, the 2021 statehood bill proposed the federal district be shrunk to an area roughly the size of the National Mall to circumvent the amendment's constraint.

May 2022: Expansion of Bike Lane Network

In May 2022, Washington, D.C., celebrated the expansion of its bike lane network to 104 miles (167 km), a 60% increase from 2015.

July 2022: Federal Government Employment

As of July 2022, 25% of people employed in Washington, D.C., were employed by the federal government.

2022: Homeless population

According to Department of Housing and Development's Annual Homeless Assessment Report in 2022, there were an estimated 4,410 homeless people in Washington, D.C.

2022: Top Employers in D.C.

According to the District's comprehensive annual financial reports, the top employers by number of employees in 2022 included Georgetown University, Children's National Medical Center, Washington Hospital Center, and others.

2022: Metropolitan Statistical Area Unemployment Rate

As of 2022, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan statistical area's unemployment rate was 3.1%.

2022: Washington, D.C. Airport System Ranking

By 2022, the Washington, D.C. area had climbed to 13th-busiest for passenger traffic, even though passenger numbers decreased to less than 69 million.

2022: High Number of Unprosecuted Cases

In 2022, D.C. residents began to press the city government for refusing to prosecute nearly 70% of arrested offenders.

2022: Tourism statistics

In 2022, Washington D.C. attracted an estimated 20.7 million domestic and 1.2 million international visitors, ranking seventh among U.S. cities.

2022: Increase in Homicides

In 2022, Washington D.C. saw over 200 homicides, reflecting an upward trend from prior decades.

2022: Most Visited Museums in the Country

In 2022, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art were the two most visited museums in the country.

January 2023: Statehood bill reintroduced

In January 2023, the statehood bill for Washington, D.C., was reintroduced after not progressing in the Senate.

March 2023: Bike Lanes Increase

As of March 2023, Washington, D.C. has 108 miles (174 km) of bike lanes, with 30 miles (48 km) of them protected bike lanes.

September 2023: Monumental Sports Network

The Washington, D.C. area's regional sports television network, Monumental Sports Network, was known as NBC Sports Washington until September 2023.

October 2023: Drop in Unprosecuted Cases

By October 2023, the rate of unprosecuted cases in D.C. dropped to 56%, after months of criticism; this was still higher than nine of the past 10 years and almost twice what it was in 2013.

2023: Union Station Rail Ranking

As of 2023, Union Station is the ninth-busiest rail station in the nation and tenth-busiest in North America.

2023: Washington Metropolitan Area Economy

As of 2023, the Washington metropolitan area was one of the nation's largest metropolitan economies.

2023: 20-Year High Homicide Rate

In 2023, D.C. recorded 274 homicides, a 20-year high and the fifth-highest murder rate among the nation's largest cities.

2023: Global Financial Centres Index Ranking

In the 2023 Global Financial Centres Index, Washington was ranked as having the 8th most competitive financial center in the world.

February 2024: Council Passes Crime Bill

In February 2024, the Council of the District of Columbia passed a major bill meant to reduce crime in the city by introducing harsher penalties for arrested offenders.