Auto Transportation: District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. It is coterminous with the District of
Columbia (abbreviated as "D.C."). The city and the district are located on the banks of the
Potomac River and bordered by the states of Virginia (to the west) and Maryland
(to the north, east and south). The city was planned and developed in the late 18th century to
serve as the permanent national capital; the federal district was formed to keep the national
capital distinct from the states.
