( abbr DC )
the district of the US capital city of Washington, DC . The city covers all of the land. It is on the east side of the Potomac River and belongs to the US government. It was established by Congress in 1790 and contains many government buildings. The land was originally given by the states of Virginia and Maryland , though Virginia later took back its gift. People who live in the district were not allowed to vote for US President until 1961.