The Residence Act was signed, leading to the establishment of Washington, D.C. as the capital of the United States. In the late 18th century, there was a significant debate surrounding the location of the nation's capital, fueled by the growing tension between northern and southern states. Prominent leaders, notably Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, negotiated a compromise that would ultimately decide the capital's location along the Potomac River. This decision not only aimed to appease both factions but also to foster a sense of national pride and unity among the diverse states. George Washington played a crucial role in this decision, advocating for a site that was strategically beneficial and geographically central to the states of the newly formed union. He had personal stakes in the location, having surveyed the area himself.

The Act did not just designate a capital; it also laid the groundwork for its development, allowing for the construction of government buildings and infrastructure necessary for a functioning capital. The federal district was created in part on land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia, which illustrates the collaborative nature of early American governance. The District of Columbia was designed to be a city of grandeur, reflecting the ambitions of the nation.

In the years that followed, Washington, D.C. evolved from a designated area into a bustling capital, housing the branches of government and becoming a symbol of American democracy. The architectural design initiated the establishment of landmarks that characterize the city today, including the Capitol Building and the White House, both of which reflect the aspirations and values of the new republic.