Information on various historical sites and attractions for tourists in Washington D.C., including the White House, the Washington Monument and presidential memorials.
Washington D.C. is not only the Nation's Capitol, it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. The National Mall is host to a variety of historical landmarks, exhibits and museums. President Washington chose the site himself. Architect Pierre L'Enfant's was commissioned by George Washington to create this national treasure. L'Enfant conceived this city of broad streets on this diamond shaped parcel of land. The plans were drawn around to focal points. , Which were the residence of the President and the seat of the government. Now known as The White House and the domed Capitol building.
Our Nation's Capital is one of the most heavily visited and photographed places in the world for good reason.
The National Mall is a mile long and 400 feet wide, running west from the Capitol to the Potomac River. The streets are lined with 2,000 American elms and 3,000 internationally renowned Japanese cherry trees gracing the Tidal Basin. The Mall gardens display thousands of tulips, pansies and annuals in over 170 flowerbeds, and 35 ornamental pools and fountains.
Let's begin out tour through the city at its most famous monument. The Washington Monument was built in recognition of the leadership of the nations first President George Washington. Washington earned the title "Father of his Country" by fighting the cause of American independence. He was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775. In 1787 as President of the Constitutional Convention, he helped guide the deliberations to form a government that has lasted now more than 200 years. Two years later he was unanimously elected first President of the United States. This monument allows the citizens of the United States to show their enduring gratitude and respect to President Washington.
The Lincoln Memorial is in fact the most famous of Washington's many public monuments. The monument was built between 1911-1922 as a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and the nation he fought to preserve during the Civil War (1861-1865).
The architecture of the Lincoln Memorial is based on that of a Greek Temple. It has 36 Doric columns, one for each state at the time of Lincoln's death. In the center of the memorial chamber is a sculpture of a seated Lincoln, by artist Daniel Chester French. The Gettysburg Address is inscribed on the south wall of the monument. Above it is a mural painted by Jules Guerin depicting the angel of truth freeing a slave. Guerin also painted the unity of North and South mural on the north wall. Etched into the north wall below the mural is Lincoln's second inaugural speech.
Next we stop to see the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial located along the famous Cherry Tree Walk on the Tidal Basin near the national mall. This is a memorial not only to President Roosevelt, but also to the times in which he lived. At the memorial 12 years of American history are traced through a sequence of four outdoor rooms. Each of these rooms represents one of his four terms in office. Inspired by photographs, one sculpture depicts the 32nd President in his first term. Another 10-foot statue depicts Roosevelt as many remember him, in his wheelchair.
On to the Jefferson Memorial! Thomas Jefferson was more than just the third President of the United States was. He was in fact a political philosopher, architect, musician, book collector, scientist, horticulturist, diplomat, and an inventor. He had strong beliefs in the rights of man and of a government that was derived from the people. Freedom of religion and the separation between church and state were among this presidents' many convictions. Visiting this memorial brings alive not only President Jefferson's convictions, but reminds us of the meaning behind the birth of this nation.
The White House located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, was originally constructed 1792-1800. An Irish born architect designed it by the name of James Hoban. President and Mrs. Adams moved into the yet unfinished building and it has been the home of every president of the United States since John Adams. It was reconstructed in 1815 after being burned by British soldiers during the War of 1812.
The exterior of the main structure remains much as it was in 1800 although renovations have taken place through the years. The third story, the West Wing and the Oval Office were all additions to the original design.
The interior has been completely renovated using the historic floor plan. A guided tour through the White House is an education of the history of America. Tourists are in awe of the momento's left by former presidents and hearing the stories surrounding the legacies each president has left.
Our last tours involve the military history of the United States. The first stop is at the Korean War Memorial. From 1950 to 1953, the United States joined with United Nations forces in Korea to take a stand against what was deemed as a threat to democratic nations worldwide. One and a half million American veterans returned from the Korean War. To the men and women who served, the Korean War could never be a forgotten war. Many years later the citizens paid respect and honor to these fine men and woman by constructing this memorial.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial serves as a testament to the sacrifice of American military personnel during one of this nation's least popular wars. The memorial is a life-size bronze sculpture of three servicemen who served in Vietnam. By erecting this memorial, it was hoped that the issue of the veterans and their sacrifice could be separated from the U.S. policy in the war. This memorial and the Vietnam Wall containing the names of soldiers that died in the line of duty pay tribute to those Americans who offered their lives for the sake of the freedom for all.
