Washington, D.C.: Not in Maryland or Virginia—A Federal District

Washington, D.C. is not part of any state. It is a federal district created by the Constitution (Article I, Section 8) as the seat of the national government.

Key Facts

• Land Origin: Ceded by Maryland (1790) and Virginia (1790); Virginia's portion (Alexandria, Arlington) retroceded in 1846.
• Borders: Maryland (north, east, southeast); Virginia (southwest, across Potomac River).
• Governance: Mayor + 13-member Council, but Congress has exclusive legislative authority (Home Rule Act 1973, subject to Congressional review).
• Representation: No voting Senators; 1 non-voting House Delegate (Eleanor Holmes Norton).
• Residents: ~690,000 (more than Wyoming/Vermont) – "Taxation without representation" license plates.

D.C. is a unique constitutional entity—neither state nor territory.