In addition to being The Capitol of the United States, did you know that Washington DC is known to be a hub for inventions, new businesses, and innovative ideas? That's right, there's so much more to see than just historical monuments and museums when you visit this historical city in the United States. If you want to explore and are curious to know more, I encourage you to read on and discover 6 things that Washington DC did first.
1. Print American Money
Oh yes, you read that right. Those crisp green twenties you have in your wallet were all made in the nation's capital at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. I wasn't too surprised to discover this invention from Washington DC. Were you?
2. Go Go Music
Another Washington DC first was the cities impact on the music scene. The vibrant, funky blend of rhythm and blues, along with hip hop, all began in DC with the legendary Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers, the Young Senators, and Black Heat.
3. Sell Toys in a Huge Kid Wonderland
Every kid has known the excitement of running into a Toys R Us. Well, did you know that they started in DC back in 1948? The first store was on 18th Street in Washington DC.
4. Donate Blood
Another one of many fun facts about Washington DC is that during World War II, Doctor Charles Drew, a DC native, initiated the life-saving blood donation tradition that we still practice to this day. Though our processes may be a bit more streamlined, without Dr. Charles Drew's work we would not have blood donation as we know it.
5. Redefined the Boring Healthy Salad
Sweetgreen, the innovative salad shop where you can enjoy healthy, delicious fresh salads, all began in DC by three DC grads in 2007. Nowadays, there are numerous Sweetgreen restaurants scattered throughout the country.
6. Sent a Telegraph
Of course, one of the many historical things that happened in Washington DC was the ending of the telegraph. On May 24, 1844, Samuel FB Morse sent the first telegraph message from The Capitol to Baltimore.
Were you surprised about any of these Washington DC inventions and firsts? Do you know of any other inventions, innovations, or businesses that began in The Capitol? If so, feel free to share in the following comments section.
If you'd like to know more about visiting The Capitol, I invite you to discover more fun facts about Washington DC. I think you'll also enjoy this piece about things you'll learn about Washington DC.
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