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Get InspiredNorth AmericaUnited StatesDistrict Of ColumbiaWashington County

Washington County

District of Columbia, United States
Historical Region·Historical, Educational, Governmental
Washington County
Photo by Anthony Jones from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Manju Gupta from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Douglas “Cameron” Anderson Jr from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Moises Almosny from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Pascal NDJADI from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Anthony Jones from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Manju Gupta from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Douglas “Cameron” Anderson Jr from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Moises Almosny from Google Places
Washington County
Photo by Pascal NDJADI from Google Places

Washington County was established in 1801 as part of the District of Columbia, encompassing areas on the east side of the Potomac River. It included parts of what are now Washington, D.C. and Georgetown, formed from portions of Maryland. The county played a significant role in the early political organization of the nation's capital. In 1871, the District of Columbia Organic Act unified the separate governments within the district, ending Washington County's distinct identity.

Washington County was established in 1801 as part of the District of Columbia, encompassing areas on the east side of the Potomac River. It included parts of what are now Washington, D.C. and Georgetown, formed from portions of Maryland. The county played a significant role in the early political organization of the nation's capital. In 1871, the District of Columbia Organic Act unified the separate governments within the district, ending Washington County's distinct identity.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Originally part of the District of Columbia.

  • Included areas now known as Washington, D.C. and Georgetown.

  • Formed from parts of Maryland in 1801.

Before you go: Washington County essentials

  • Close access to historical sites in Washington, D.C.

  • Rich history related to the formation of the U.S. capital.

Historical Context

Understand the formation of Washington County as part of the District of Columbia's early political structure.

Geographical Insight

Explore the areas that were once part of Washington County, now integrated into Washington, D.C. and Georgetown.

Best For

History enthusiasts and those interested in the origins of Washington, D.C.

Currency

USD $

Average Cost

$150-$250 p/day

Languages Spoken

English

Best time to visit Washington County

April-JuneSeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring is ideal for exploring the historical sites in Washington, D.C. with pleasant weather.

Best Season

Summer

Summers can be hot, but it's a vibrant time with many events and activities.

Best Season

Fall

Fall offers cooler temperatures and is perfect for walking tours of historical areas.

Winter

Winters are mild, making it a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

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Location

Washington County, District of Columbia, United States

Things to do in Washington County

Washington DC Party Yacht Open Bar Cruise on the Potomac
From $75

Washington DC Party Yacht Open Bar Cruise on the Potomac

3.9(49)
Duration: 2h
Washington DC
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + boat cruise
From $89

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + boat cruise

4.7(3,6 K)
Duration: 6h
Washington DC
Mount Vernon Admission & Guided Tour with Old Town Alexandria
From $99

Mount Vernon Admission & Guided Tour with Old Town Alexandria

2.0(3)
Duration: 4h
Washington DC
DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets
From $69

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

4.7(1,5 K)
Duration: 6h
Washington DC
The Escape Game DC: 60-Minute Adventure in Georgetown
From $39

The Escape Game DC: 60-Minute Adventure in Georgetown

5.0(161)
Duration: 1h 15min
Washington DC
Bubble Planet Immersive Interactive Experience in Washington DC
From $27

Bubble Planet Immersive Interactive Experience in Washington DC

3.6(19)
Duration: 1h
Washington DC
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops
From $55

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

4.1(2,8 K)
Duration: 1h 30min
Washington DC
Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking
From $49

Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking

4.9(116)
Duration: 2h 30min
Washington DC
Explore on Viator

Natural & historic sites near Washington County

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Great Falls Park

4.8(13,6 K)
McLean, Virginia
Park · Scenic, Natural, Family Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

African American Civil War Memorial

District of Columbia
Protected Area · Somber, Solemn, Reflective
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Baltimore-Washington Parkway

Maryland
Protected Area · Historic, Wooded, Scenic, Functional
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

Virginia
Protected Area · Quiet, Reflective, Educational, Historic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Anacostia Park

District of Columbia
Protected Area · Peaceful, Spacious, Natural
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

Washington, District of Columbia
Protected Area · Educational, Reflective, Historic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Antietam National Battlefield

Sharpsburg, Maryland
Protected Area · Solemn, Reflective, Educational, Historic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Capitol Hill Parks

District of Columbia
Protected Area · Historic, Peaceful, Community Focused