The Real Washington DC

Thanks to its regular appearances in film, magazines and news, the now iconic image of the White House has made Washington DC one of the most photographed cities in the world.

As the governmental seat of the world's most powerful democracy it is impossible to avoid DC's politics and stately grandeur.

Home to the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama

However, after over 200 years as the nation's capital, Washington DC has developed into a city with multiple personalities and a very unique history, accompanied by a vibrant and culturally diverse community.

George Washington chose and founded the site along the Potomac River in 1790. During the War of 1812, the British responded to an American invasion of York (now Toronto) by attacking Washington and setting all public and government buildings alight, including the White House.

The British attack spared only the home of the Commandant of the Marines, which is now the oldest government building in continuous use in the capital.

When the government returned to Washington it had to reconstruct numerous public buildings, including the White House and United States Capitol. The McMillan Plan of 1901 helped restore and beautify the downtown core area, including establishing the National Mall, along with many of the city's famous monuments and museums.

A city divided

Washington has always had a significant African-American population. Slavery was abolished throughout the District in 1862, however the city was racially segregated in certain facilities until the 1950s.

One of the defining moments of the city's history is the 1963 march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom led by Martin Luther King Jr. At this rally Dr King delivered his historic 'I have a dream' speech at the Lincoln Memorial, advocating racial harmony.

US Capitol at dusk

Washington DC is divided into four areas. Downtown contains the National Mall, theatre district and Chinatown, the central business district, the White House, West Potomac Park, and the Kennedy Centre.

The West is made up of affluent Georgetown. Upper Northwest and the East house the Capitol Building and the Library of Congress.

North Central consists of Dupont Circle, Shaw, and Adams Morgan-Columbia Heights - home to DC's Hispanic and other ethnic neighbourhoods.

Jazz in Washington

Washington has a rich musical history, with some of the best jazz musicians in the world passing through the doors of DC's clubs. Duke Ellington, Motown legend Marvin Gaye, R&B crooner Roberta Flack and godfather of go-go Chuck Brown all started their careers in the smoky basement bars of U Street in the Shaw neighbourhood.

Once known as Black Broadway, U Street home grown stars Pearl Bailey, Jelly Roll Morton and Shirley Horn were regular fixtures on the entertainment circuit, playing venues like Bohemian Caverns and the Lincoln Theatre.

Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many famous speeches

Despite all the alternatives on offer, really no trip is complete without stopping at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to appreciate the breathtaking view east across the Reflecting Pool, towards the Washington Monument and beyond to the US Capitol.

The imposing, seated statue of Abraham Lincoln inside the Memorial acknowledges the huge esteem in which the country's 16th President is held. Widely regarded as one of the country's best presidents, Lincoln successfully led the country through the American Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery.

Present day challenges facing the capital may pale in comparison, but the world's eyes will still be on Washington DC and the decision makers there for many years to come. It's more than capable of giving us something to look at.