On July 16, 1790, the District of Columbia was established as the capital of the United States after signature of the Residence Act. Founded after the American Revolution as the seat of government of the newly independent country, the City of Washington was named after George Washington, first President of the United States and Founding Father. Washington is the principal city of the Washington metropolitan area, … Continue reading The Residence Act of 1790 & the Development of Washington, D.C.