Washington, D.C. creates confusion for millions of people:
Is it in Maryland? Is it part of Virginia? Is it a state?
The simple answer is:
Washington, D.C. is not in any state — it is a federal district created by the U.S. Constitution.
This article explains exactly what Washington, D.C. is, who owns the land, where it is located, and why it is not part of any state.
What State Is Washington, D.C. In?
Washington, D.C. is not part of any U.S. state.
It is a special federal district, officially named the District of Columbia.
The Constitution gave the federal government the power to create a national capital that:
- Belongs to no state
- Is controlled directly by Congress
- Serves as neutral land for the federal government
D.C. = District of Columbia, not a state and not inside any state.
Who Owns the Land That Washington, D.C. Is Built On?
The land originally came from two states:
- Maryland — donated the land east of the Potomac River
- Virginia — donated the land west of the Potomac River (Alexandria + Arlington)
But in 1846, the Virginia side was returned to Virginia.
Today, the entire District of Columbia sits on former Maryland land, but:
The federal government owns the land — not Maryland, not Virginia.
Why Washington, D.C. Is Not Part of Any State
The Founding Fathers wanted the capital to be independent from state influence.
Why?
Because in 1783, Congress met in Philadelphia, and the local Pennsylvania government refused to protect them during a protest (the “Pennsylvania Mutiny”). This moment proved:
The national government should not depend on any state for safety or authority.
So the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 17) created:
- A federal district
- Under exclusive Congressional control
- Maximum size 10 miles × 10 miles
This became the District of Columbia.
Is Washington, D.C. a City or a State?
Washington, D.C. is:
✔ A city
✔ A federal district
❌ Not a state
It has:
- A mayor
- A city council
- Local laws
BUT Congress can override them at any time under the Home Rule Act (1973).
Where Is Washington, D.C. Located? (Maryland or Virginia?)
Geographically:
- Maryland borders D.C. on the north, east, and west
- Virginia borders D.C. on the southwest, across the Potomac River
But…
👉 Washington, D.C. is not part of Maryland or Virginia.
Many people think it belongs to Maryland because Maryland surrounds most of it.
But legally, D.C. is separate.
Brief History of the District of Columbia
1790 Residence Act
Congress approves a new permanent capital on the Potomac River.
1791 The District Is Named
- Federal district = Columbia
- City = Washington
1800 Capital Moves to D.C.
Congress, President John Adams, and federal offices relocate from Philadelphia.
1846 Land Returned to Virginia
Alexandria and Arlington rejoin Virginia.
1973 Home Rule Act
D.C. gets its own elected mayor and city council.
Today
D.C. remains a unique district — neither state nor territory.
Why Isn’t Washington, D.C. in Washington State?
Because:
- D.C. was founded in 1790
- Washington State was founded in 1853 — 63 years later
- The name “Washington” honors George Washington, not the state
The two places are 2,700 miles apart and unrelated.
Is Washington, D.C. a U.S. Territory?
No.
D.C. is not a territory like Guam or Puerto Rico.
It is:
➡️ A federal district
➡️ Under Congressional authority
➡️ With no voting members in Congress
➡️ Granted 3 electoral votes via the 23rd Amendment (1961)
The Washington, D.C. Statehood Debate
Many residents want D.C. to become the 51st state.
Reasons for Statehood
- Over 700,000 residents pay federal taxes
- No voting senators or representatives
- 2016 vote: 86% supported statehood
Statehood Proposal
Name: Washington, Douglass Commonwealth
(keeping the initials: “Washington, D.C.”)
Current Status
- Passed in the U.S. House (2021)
- Blocked in the Senate
- Still under debate
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Washington, D.C. in Maryland?
No. It is entirely separate.
2. Is D.C. part of Virginia?
No. Virginia donated land but took it back in 1846.
3. Is the White House in Maryland or Virginia?
Neither — it is in Washington, D.C.
4. Why does D.C. have no senators?
Because it is not a state.
5. Can Washington, D.C. become a state?
Yes, but Congress must approve it.
6. Why is it called the District of Columbia?
“Columbia” was a poetic name for the United States in the 1700s.
Conclusion
Washington, D.C. is a unique federal district, not part of any U.S. state.
It was intentionally created by the Constitution so that the national capital would remain neutral, independent, and free from state influence.
Today, D.C. stands as:
- The capital of the United States
- Land owned by the federal government
- A city with no state and no voting representation in Congress
And its future — whether it remains a district or becomes a state — continues to be debated.
