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District of Columbia Log Homes & DC Log Cabins

ORIGIN OF NAME: From "Columbia," a name commonly applied to the United States in the late 18th century, ultimately deriving from Christopher Columbus. BECAME US CAPITAL: 1 December 1800. MOTTO: Justitia omnibus (Justice for all). FLAG: The flag, based on George Washington's coat of arms, consists of three red stars above two horizontal red stripes on a white field. OFFICIAL SEAL: In the background, the Potomac River separates the District of Columbia from the Virginia shore, over which the sun is rising. In the foreground, Justice, holding a wreath and a tablet with the word "Constitution," stands beside a statue of George Washington. To her left is the Capitol; to her right, an eagle and various agricultural products. Below is the District motto and the date 1871; above are the words "District of Columbia." BIRD: Wood thrush. FLOWER: American beauty rose. TREE: Scarlet oak. LEGAL HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, 1 January; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., 3rd Monday in January; Washington's Birthday, 3rd Monday in February; Memorial Day, last Monday in May; Independence Day, 4 July; Labor Day, 1st Monday in September; Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October; Veterans Day, 11 November; Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November; Christmas Day, 25 December. TIME: 7 am EST = noon GMT.

The climate of the nation's capital is characterized by chilly, damp winters and hot, humid summers. The normal daily mean temperature is 58°F (14°C), ranging from 35°F (2°C) in January to 80°F (27°C) in July. The record low, –15°F (–26°C), was set on 11 February 1899; the all-time high, 106°F (41°C), on 20 July 1930. Precipitation averaged 39.4 in (100 cm) yearly during 1971–2000; snowfall, 17 in (43 cm). The average annual relative humidity is 75% at 7 AM and 53% at 1 PM.

In 2002 the District of Columbia had a larger population than the last-ranked state of Wyoming, with an estimated 570,898, an decrease of 0.2% since 2000. Between 1990 and 2000, the District's population declined from 606,900 to 572,059, an decrease of 5.7%. The population is projected to reach 655,000 by 2025.

In 2000 the median age was 34.6. Persons under 18 years old accounted for 20.1% of the population while 12.2% were age 65 or older.

There is no forestland or forest products industry in the District of Columbia.

In 2002, the District of Columbia had an estimated 272,636 housing units, of which 242,095 were occupied. Only 39.9% were owner-occupied, ranking the District as having the least number of homeowners in the nation. About 38% of all units dated from 1939 or earlier. Only 13% of all units were single-family, detached homes. About 30% were in buildings of 20 units or more. It was estimated that about 6,046 units were without telephone service, 985 lacked complete plumbing facilities, and 543 lacked complete kitchen facilities. Most households relief on gas and electricity for heating.

In 2002, 1,591 new privately owned housing units were authorized for construction. The median home value was $212,428, placing the District as 4th in the nation for highest home values. The median monthly cost for mortgage owners was $1,549 while renters paid a median of $693 per month. During 2002, Washington, D.C., received more than $42 million in community planning and development aid from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There are five major league professional sports teams in Washington, D.C.: the Redskins of the National Football League, the Wizards (formerly the Bullets), of the National Basketball Association, the Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association, the Capitals of the National Hockey League, and DC United of Major League Soccer. Hockey and basketball are played in downtown Washington at the MCI Arena, which was opened for the 1997–98 season. The Redskins began the 1997 season in the new Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins have reached football's Super Bowl five times, winning in 1983, 1988, and 1992. The Bullets won the NBA championship in 1978.

In collegiate sports the Georgetown Hoyas were a dominant force in basketball during the 1980s, reaching the NCAA championship game in 1982, 1984, and 1985, and winning the title in 1984.