Library of Congress was created in 1800 when Congress appropriated $5,000 to buy books that Congressional leaders might need. Located in Washington, DC, it is the country’s oldest federal cultural center. Today the Library occupies three large buildings with another building housing a conservation center. Its collections exceed 173 million artifacts, which are cared for by over 3,000 employees. Anyone can conduct research within the buildings, but only high-ranking individuals may remove materials from the facilities. Children could investigate the Library of Congress website for children at: http://www.loc.gov/families/. The site is truly filled with many, many ideas. Remember to keep scrolling and scrolling!
John Blair died in 1800 in Williamsburg, Virginia. His exact date of birth (probably in 1732) is unknown. He represented Virginia at the Constitutional Convention and then served on the first United States Supreme Court from 1789 to 1796. Children can learn more at: John Blair.
The White House was ready for occupancy in 1800. Building had started in 1792, and John and Abigail Adams were the first President and First Lady to occupy the building. Children can learn more about the building and grounds at: White House.
Congress met in session for the first time in the Capitol Building in 1800. Interesting fact – the Capitol Building on Sundays was used as a house of worship until the Civil War. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison attended services there. Children could visit the government website. The site offers some virtual tours and excellent links: Capitol Building.
Washington, DC, became the capital of the United States in 1800. Parts of Virginia and Maryland were combined to make the new capital. Charles L’Enfant created the architectural plan for the city. The federal government is the largest employer, and printing is the biggest industry. Over seventeen million tourists visit the nation’s capital every year. Children could locate some of the many important buildings on a map of Washington, DC. They could learn more at: Washington, DC.