George Washington not only served as the namesake for the capital city of the United States, he also chose its location, perhaps envisioning the transportation possibilities that the Potomac River flowing past the site would provide. Early on, the city saw conflict; in the War of 1812, British forces invaded and burned several public buildings. The Civil War marked the beginning of the city's transformation from a provincial town to a world center of culture, history, and political energy during the 20th century. According to the Census Bureau, the District of Columbia, which comprises the city of Washington, supported a population of more than half a million inhabitants in 2003.