Since any good citizen wants to know how his Government works, as an initial experience it is necessary to become acquainted with the setting--Washington, D. C. This bulletin serves as in introduction to the Capital. It provides an historical and a present-day background for appreciating the city. What kind of a community is Washington? Why does it exist? Was it planned or did it just happen? How large is it? Is there a relationship between its size and its purpose? Does it have the kind of government that exists in most home towns? Who are the people? What do they do to earn a living? How well does the community meet their needs? Why is Washington everyone's city? Are there historical evidences that show the past as a prologue to the present? A tour of the city will help to answer these questions and many others. Such a tour may be taken in person or through reading the story of a group of young people. This story is not an actual record of a particular group or tour, but it is a composite of many experiences. It is based upon diary records of tours taken by one person as a child, as a youth, and as an adult. To these impressions were added those of many elementary school children and high-school youth who have visited Washington recently. In writing about a subject on which authorities sometimes disagree, every effort has been made to secure accuracy. The Columbia Historical Society contributed the time of several members to review this manuscript. Children, young people, and adults were asked to read the story. They discussed the material that interested them most and how it helped them to understand Washington as the seat of the Federal Government. Their reactions contributed to the revision. As a result, this bulletin can be used by upper grades and high-school students, teachers, parents, and other citizens, as well as various kinds of community organizations. A bibliography is provided. [Best copy available has been provided.]