WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia erupted in euphoric celebration Tuesday night after the networks declared Barack Obama (web|news|bio) the 44th President of the United States.

In heavily Democratic Washington D.C., celebrations drowned the somber stoicism of McCain campaign supporters.

Crowds thronged Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House. Hundreds spilled into the streets at an unplanned rally, cheering, dancing, and crying tears of joy. "Yes we can!" chanted Obama supporters, the campaign motto echoing through District streets, many happily changing the refrain to "Yes we did!"

Gatherings began with watch parties gathered around screens, eagerly awaiting election returns. Cheers went up as Ohio appeared in the Democrat's column, and then morphed into victory celebrations from U Street to K Street.

Revellers filled the D.C. streets until around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, when the crowds finally began to disperse.

At 14th and U streets NW, crowds filled the intersection. ABC 7/NewsChannel 8's Sam Ford was on the scene as the jubilant danced in the streets.

Drums thundered on the streets after the announcement was made. People climbed on top of the bus shelter.

"I'm am outrageously excited!" declared Althea Holford. "This is amazing, incredible -- we are watching history." And another ecstatic Obama voter declared, "I can't put into words how I feel right now. I mean, it's a beautiful day."

Sam Ford reported that the scene of celebration was the same corner at which the D.C. riots broke out in 1968 after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

Hundreds of people -- mostly students -- began gathering at Washington Circle, near George Washington University, as the evidence of an Obama victory mounted. They marched down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.