Capital Wasteland

The Capital Wasteland or Capital Region is a location consisting of the Washington, D.C. ruins and surrounding areas. The area stretches from Raven Rock in the northwest to Rivet City in the southeast and serves as the game world for Fallout 3, beginning in 2277.

Background
During the Great War, the area was hit with nuclear bombs, receiving advanced warning after the west coast had been destroyed. Those who did not secure space in a vault sought protection in alternate shelters, metro tunnels, and museums.

National Guard units and their auxiliaries were mobilized throughout the area, prepared for an attack. These aid stations were not sufficiently equipped, resulting in desertion and high mortality rates. After the bombs fell, the city was on fire, descending into chaos as survivors looted and killed one another.

Post War
Survivors of the war fled the Capital Wasteland to Appalachia, utilizing Union Station trains to escape. Paige, head of the Construction Workers Union, mentioned seeing toxic green air lingering above the area as they left. Remnants of the Naval Research Institute under the leadership of Horace Pinkerton established a new base in an existing science lab aboard an aircraft carrier that became Rivet City.

In 2255, Owyn Lyons' contingent of the Brotherhood of Steel arrived in the Capital Wasteland, establishing a base of operations within the Citadel. Instead of moving on, the Brotherhood stayed in the area to assist in eradicating the region's Super Mutant threat and protect the scientists working on a water purification initiative known as Project Purity. The Brotherhood's presence pushed mercenaries out of the area, but the slave trade persisted, spreading to the Pitt from a centralized location at Paradise Falls.

Settlements such as Megaton, Canterbury Commons, Arefu, and the Republic of Dave were established, connected by trade caravans.

Settlements
Category:Fallout 3 towns, 3

District
Category:Fallout 3 districts, 3

Appearances
The Capital Wasteland appears It is mentioned in Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76.