In addition to being The Capitol of the United States, did you know that Washington DC is known to be a hub for inventions, new businesses, and innovative ideas? That’s right, there’s so much more to see than just historical monuments and museums when you visit this historical city in the United States. If you want to explore and are curious to know more, I encourage you to read on and discover 6 things that Washington DC did first.

1. Print American Money
Flickr/401(K) 2012
Oh yes, you read that right. Those crisp green twenties you have in your wallet were all made in the nation's capital at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. I wasn't too surprised to discover this invention from Washington DC. Were you?
2. Go Go Music
Flickr/Dale Sundstrom
Another one of the things Washington DC did first was have an impact on the music scene. The vibrant, funky blend of rhythm and blues, along with hip hop, all began in DC with the legendary Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers, the Young Senators, and Black Heat.
3. Sell Toys in a Huge Kid Wonderland
Flickr/Keith C
Every kid has known the excitement of running into a Toys R Us. Well, did you know that they started in DC back in 1948? The first store was on 18th Street in Washington DC.

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4. Donate Blood
Flickr/ec-jpr
Another one of many fun facts about Washington DC is that during World War II, Doctor Charles Drew initiated the life-saving blood donation process.
5. Redefined the Boring Healthy Salad
Facebook/Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen, the innovative salad shop where you can enjoy healthy, delicious fresh salads, all began in DC by three DC grads in 2007. Nowadays, there are numerous Sweetgreen restaurants scattered throughout the country.
6. Sent a Telegraph
Courtesy of Wikimedia
Of course, one of the many historical things that happened in Washington DC was the ending of the telegraph. On May 24, 1844, Samuel FB Morse sent the first telegraph message from The Capitol to Baltimore.

Were you surprised about any of these things that Washington DC did first? Do you know of any other inventions, innovations, or businesses that began in The Capitol? If so, feel free to share in the following comments section.

If you’d like to know more about visiting The Capitol, I invite you to discover more fun facts about Washington DC. I think you’ll also enjoy this piece about things you’ll learn about Washington DC.

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Things Washington DC Did First

Marla S. | June 01, 2023

What are some fun facts about Washington DC? 

Here are some fun facts about Washington DC:

  • There's a nuclear shelter under the Capitol Building.
  • Washington DC was actually built on swamp land.
  • On a windy day, the Washington Monument will slightly move.
  • You'll find close to 1,500 items in Washington DC's metro lost and found each year.
  • Residents who lived in the District of Columbia weren't allowed to vote for the President until 1961.

 

Take a look at these unusual historical facts about Washington DC as well.

What are some unique laws specific to Washington DC? 

In addition to the Washington DC firsts you learned about in the article above, I wanted to share these unique laws specific to The Capitol.

  • If your car isn't completely pulled into your driveway, you can still get a ticket.
  • You're not allowed to whistle when you're in the bathroom.
  • Santa Claus can't serve as a prop to sell alcohol.
  • Dancing in the Jefferson Memorial is prohibited.
  • Women aren't allowed to be paid to dance with men.

 

Discover more weird Washington DC laws in this piece.

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