With many travel plans being put on hold for now, let’s look ahead to the 33rd International Symposium on Human Identification, which will be held at the Gaylord National Harbor hotel, near Washington, D.C.
Written by: Tara luther, Promega
The district was established on July 16, 1790, with the location decided on by compromise between Alexander Hamilton and the northern states and Thomas Jefferson and the southern states. The district was formed after both Maryland and Virginia ceded land, and it was intended to be distinct and distinguished from the rest of the states.
President George Washington appointed Pierre Charles L’Enfant to design the city, but it was nearly destroyed during the War of 1812, when British forces burned much of it to the ground. Among the buildings destroyed were the White House, Capitol, and the Library of Congress.
The city lost many permanent residents after the war, and lost some physical size as well, when voters of Alexandria, Virginia decided to leave DC and took their land with them. The population remained small until it became a haven for freed slaves on April 16, 1862.
After the Civil War, as population boomed, nearby Georgetown and surrounding rural areas began to blend into the city. In 1901, the city proposed the McMillan plan, which aimed to complete L’Enfant’s original designs for the city. This renovation included a redesign and expansion of the National Mall.
The 1960’s and 1970’s were a time of civil unrest for the city, as riots caused many inner city residents to flee to the suburbs.
Ironically for the Nation’s capital, residents of Washington, D.C. lack full self-governance, and citizens weren’t allowed to participate in presidential elections until 1964.
Today, the city is culturally diverse, and is rich with history. There is no shortage of sites to visit while you’re in the area, but here are a couple you may want to add to your list.
Situated on the Potomac River near the Gaylord National Harbor sits the Capital Wheel. Lifting passengers 180 feet into the air, views include National Harbor, the Washington Monument, City of Alexandria, Masonic Temple, Georgetown, and more.
Perhaps the best way to visit the city is to climb on a tour bus, such as the Big Bus. Hop on and off as you like to see some of the city’s famous landmarks and attractions. Some of these include the Jefferson Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Ford’s Theatre, Arlington Cemetery, Capitol Hill, and the Lincoln Memorial.
Of course, if you don’t feel like venturing too far, there is plenty to do at the Gaylord National Harbor as well. With a 19-story glass atrium overlooking the river, seven restaurants on property, and a roof-top bar, you’re sure to find ways to relax with fellow attendees after a day of talks.
Be sure to mark your calendars for October 31 – November 3, 2022!
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