In honor of the 76th Birthday of the Washington D.C. Flag (District of Columbia), we’ve compiled this list of interesting facts.

1. Washington D.C. was part of Maryland for 4 years after the Constitution of the United States was adopted. In 1791 the land was ceded to the federal government to become the nations capital and came under direct control of the US. Congress.

2. George Washington chose the site of the new city, along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. It was a result of a compromise between Alexander Hamilton and northern states.

3. The city of Washington was named for George Washington (who picked the location), while the District of Columbia was named for explorer Christopher Columbus.

4. The District of Columbia has had a flag longer than they have had a mayor. The flag was adopted on October 15th, 1938.

5. 

   The flag design is based on the coat of arms of George Washington. It had been 141 years since our first President had left office. The coat of arms dated back to his ancestors who took possession of Washington Old Hall in England.

6. George Washington never resided in Washington D.C.

7. 

   The official flag design was challenged in 2003, by a movement to add “Taxation Without Representation” on the red bars and “DC” to the center star. The mayor rejected the proposal, but not before it was passed through city council.

8. In 1973 (only 41 years ago) residents of Washington D.C. enacted the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, allowing them to elect a mayor and a city council. They still do not have full representation in the House of Representative or in Congress.

9. The Washington State Flag also honors George Washington. It includes his portrait in the state seal centered on a green background. This flag was adopted in 1889.

10. George Washington never resided in the State of Washington either.