District of Columbia retrocession is the process of returning the land that was given to the federal government for the original purpose of creating the national capital. The District of Columbia was formed in 1791 from 100 square miles (259 km2) of land ceded by the states of Maryland and Virginia in accordance with the Residence Act. The area of 31 square miles (80 km2) that was originally ceded by Virginia was returned to that state in 1847.
The District's current area consists of the remaining 69 square miles (179 km2) of territory originally ceded by Maryland.
Proposals to return the remaining portion of the District of Columbia to the state of Maryland are cited as ways to provide full voting representation in Congress and return local control of the city to its residents.
Read more about District Of Columbia Retrocession: Background, Virginia Retrocession, Proposed Maryland Retrocession
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