MCQ Detailed View

The land for Washington D.C. was provided by two states in the United States: Maryland and Virginia. This arrangement was made following the passing of the Residence Act of 1790, which authorized the establishment of a permanent national capital. The U.S. Constitution allowed for a federal district to be created, separate from any state, to house the central government and ensure its independence.

President George Washington selected a location along the Potomac River, strategically placed between the North and South, to promote unity in the early republic. Maryland and Virginia agreed to cede land to the federal government for this purpose. The initial size of the district was 100 square miles, forming a diamond shape measuring 10 miles on each side.

The land from Maryland came from Prince George’s County, while Virginia’s contribution included part of what is now Arlington County. However, in 1846, the area given by Virginia was returned through a process known as retrocession. As a result, the modern Washington D.C. lies entirely within land originally provided by Maryland.

Key historical details include:

• Authorized by: Residence Act of 1790


• Selected by: President George Washington


• Initial size: 100 square miles


• Maryland contribution: Land from Prince George’s County


• Virginia contribution: Land across the Potomac River (now Arlington)


• Retrocession: Virginia’s land returned in 1846


• Present status: Washington D.C. is located entirely on Maryland’s former land

This arrangement played a significant role in early American politics. It demonstrated how constitutional law, geography, and inter-state agreements were used to build a neutral, centralized seat of government. The location and legal foundation of Washington D.C. continue to influence federal governance and discussions around representation and statehood today.