1. Ask students if they have ever traveled to Washington, D.C. If so, ask them what they remember about their visit.
2. Note that the city has not always looked as it does today, that many of the federal buildings are from the 20th century as are many of the monuments.
3. Have students access the following website:
4. Divide the class into 3 groups, 1840s and 1850s; 1860s and 1870s; 1880s and 1890s.
5. Have each team divide again into decade groups and, using the website listings, select the most important 2 or 3 events related to the city’s growth for each decade.
6. Create a class timeline using the events selected by the groups. Illustrations may be used instead of or in addition to words.
7. If possible, locate the buildings, monuments, or other changes on the map of the city.