Washington D.C was planned and developed in the late 18th century, purposely being built to serve as the permanent national capital, with a federal district being formed to keep the national capital distinct from the states. With all three branches of the U.S government located in the city, as well as the headquarters of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Washington D.C has long been the political core of America - a fact emphasised by some of the awe inspiring monuments and attractions located in the city.

The White House is quite possibly the most popular tourist attraction in D.C, with thousands visiting the spectacular sandstone building every year. The White House has been home to American presidents since 1800 and has seen many changes over the years. The first occurred in 1814 when the White House was set ablaze by British troops in 1812 in retaliation for the burning of Parliament buildings in Upper Canada during the battle of York, leading to major restorations being required to the interior of the building with President James Monroe also adding new porticos to the building. No longer open to the general public following the terrorist attacks in 2001, the White House still draws many a tourist to its grounds with its bold, Georgian-style architecture and historical significance.

Located directly north of the White House is the Jefferson Monument, built in honour of Thomas Jefferson, one of America's Founding Fathers and himself, a former president. The neoclassical building was completed in 1943, occupying one of the last significant sites in Washington D.C. and very quickly became a popular destination for visitors to the city, partly due to its scenic location on the shore of the Potomac River. Featuring its famous colonnade of columns and enhanced by the mass planting of Japanese Cherry Trees in 1912, the monument offers a peaceful ambience, particularly when viewed from the top of the Washington Monument, located to the east.

The Washington Monument was the first architectural monument planned to honour George Washington, with work beginning on it in 1815 before its completion in 1829. The marble structure rises 178 feet and has proved popular with Washington D.C visitors over the years due to the astounding view of the city it offers from the top of its 228 steps, as well as the iconic statue of George Washington atop the monument.

For history aficionados, it doesn't really get much better than Washington, with extended stay hotels in Washington D.C consistently packed with international tourists, eager to stand amongst some of the most famous and historically significant buildings in the world.

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