When was Washington D.C. was created?

Answer 1

Washington DC was created over a number of years.

The need to have a federal district was first mooted by James Madison on January 23, 1788, in his "Federalist No. 43". The authority to establish a federal capital was provided in Article One, Section Eight, of the United States Constitution, which permits a "District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States".

On July 16, 1790, the Residence Act provided for a new permanent capital to be located on the Potomac River, the exact area to be selected by President Washington.

During 1791-92, surveyers surveyed the border of the District with both Maryland and Virginia, placing boundary stones at every mile point. On September 9, 1791, the federal city was named in honor of George Washington, and the district was named the Territory of Columbia.

The Organic Act of 1801 officially organized the District of Columbia and placed the entire federal territory, including the cities of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria, under the exclusive control of Congress.