Washington D.C.

USA capital is a country microcosmos of great ideals and bad reality. A couple of years ago, Washington city centre was neglected place, full of poor persons, where a freight from violent acts damped a spirit of ancient independent way of life. This is a reason, why well-being quarters of government employees are to be found in outer parts of the town. Nevertheless, since 1980, Washington did many things for the reality, so that this capital government centre could be inhabitated again, and local  historical sightseeings could be preserved. So, the streets are wide, wonderful and bigscale, bordered with trees, monuments and many nice buildings of 19th century, forming suddenly warm and cosy atmosphere. You can follow rather calm way of life of South states as hurry way of busy North.  

Many quarters became busy centres, full of culture events, sich as vital Adams Morgan, the heart of Latin community, with its colourful market, or old Foggy Bottom, along Potomac-river, including places dedicated to arts, known as Kennedy Centre. So, when, at the end of 18th century, young American nation looked for a seat for their government, the Congress chose strategic country along coasts of Potomac-river. In 1791, the states of Maryland and Virginia donated an estate, (260 square kilometres extent), as a base for Columbia district.

This planned town became Washington´s seat, and the name remained the town for ever. Peter Charles L´Enfant, French ingenieur, was asked for creation of capital project. As a model, the architect tried to follow the architecture of Paris and Versailles. To tell the truth, the architect managed fully to adapt town plan to local countryside. Although Mr. L´Enfant was soon dismissed, owing to many disputes with politicians, the construction of Capitol Building was started in 1792. However, before the building was terminated, the British military troopes made the fire in the building in 1812. The Congress was ready to give up this experiment, regarding seat of country capital, but, finally, it was decided to renew the Capitol. However, continuous disputes let to frequent changes of architects for this state building, and all this finished with creation of various architectonical styles.

In 1857, to Senate and Parliament wing, there was added immense iron cupola. Later, within second half of 20th century, the final finishing of a building was made also for east part of the complex. In the meantime, the building overcome several times originally planned dimensions. The inhabitants of United States could have their tranquillizing feeling that their Government was placed in fixed bases. Even Mall, grandiose wide alley, leading from Capitol, around White House, up to Potomac-river, looked in time period, when architect L´Enfant projected it, in quite different way. As a model, became so called Elysei Fields in Paris, nevertheless, new buildings changed completely the symmetry of this promenade. On the other hand, Mr.L´Enfant´s idea, to erect a statue or a monument in each open space of Washington Square, has their followers.

Thanks to this fact, you can admire now, in squares of a capital, more than 300 monuments, from elegant Jefferson or Lincoln Monuments, up to the churches, built in Dore-Greek style. Till 2nd World War, all American artictic streams passed fully Washington. Only Congress Library, with biggest world collection of books, magazines, cards or manuscripts, is alluring special fame. Well-known Museum Complex, named as Smithsonian Institute, situated in red castle from burned bricks on Mall Street, became world-famous. However, the Americans named it as „National Rubbish“. The change came early in 1941, when the support of art and culture in capital became a challenge for the nation. So, the dignified Smithsonian Institute Building was added next 13 impressive Museums, popular among art lovers of all styles.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Translation. ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: picasaweb.com - Predag Bubalo, wikipedia.com - UpstateNYer, Biggins, AgnosticPreachersKid