Geography

**The Capital** **Washington, D.C.** (District of Columbia) is the capital of the United States. It is not part of any state — it is a federal district established by the Constitution. It is home to the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, and many national monuments. **The Statue of Liberty** The **Statue of Liberty** is located in **New York Harbor** on Liberty Island, near New York City and New Jersey. It was a gift from France and was dedicated in 1886. It is a symbol of freedom and democracy. **The American Flag** • The flag has **13 stripes** — representing the **13 original colonies** • The flag has **50 stars** — one for each of the **50 states** • Red, white and blue are the national colours **The National Anthem** **"The Star-Spangled Banner"** is the national anthem of the United States. It was written by **Francis Scott Key** during the War of 1812 (after watching a British naval bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore) and officially adopted as the national anthem in **1931**. **E Pluribus Unum** The nation's first motto was **"E Pluribus Unum"** — Latin for **"Out of many, one."** It reflects the idea that the many states and peoples united to form one nation. It appeared on the **Great Seal of the United States** in 1782. The current official motto of the United States is "In God We Trust," adopted in 1956. **The Pledge of Allegiance** The Pledge of Allegiance is a statement of loyalty to the United States and its flag. It was written in 1892 and officially adopted by Congress in 1942. When saying the Pledge, Americans show loyalty to the United States and the flag. **The Bald Eagle** The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and appears on the Great Seal. It symbolizes strength, freedom and independence. **The White House** The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. **The Constitution and Independence Hall** **Independence Hall** in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. **The Lincoln Memorial** The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors President Abraham Lincoln and is inscribed with the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's second inaugural address. It was the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.