As the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. is a treasure trove of historically and culturally significant tourist destinations. Many of these locations revolve around the nation's government, while others involve elements of the nation's culture and history. Many sites are located on or near the National Mall, a two-mile stretch of land in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.
The Washington Monument is an obelisk that rises more than 555 feet above the skyline of Washington, D.C. in the National Mall. It was finished on December 6, 1884. The Lincoln Memorial is a marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, who was the country's leader during the American Civil War. A bronze statue at the front of the Capitol Building honors former president and general Ulysses S. Grant. The circular structure that honors Thomas Jefferson includes architectural elements derived from his home Monticello along with the Parthenon. The most recent presidential memorial is devoted to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who guided the country through World War II. It opened in 1997.
Opened in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial features a pair of 246-foot long walls of polished black granite engraved in white with the names of the 58,261 killed or missing American soldiers during the war. Designer Maya Lin chose the stark, simple design to remove the politics of the war from the memorial and keep a focus on the soldiers who were casualties during the conflict. The Korean War Veterans Memorial features 19 stainless steel sculptures of soldiers who fought North Korean and Chinese forces. Opened in 2004, the World War II Veterans Memorial was fast-tracked through the approval process so that survivors of the war could visit.
Visitors to Washington, D.C. can see the seats of the three branches of the country's government. Tours of the White House are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with requests taken between 15 days to six months in advance of a planned trip when sent to the person's Congressional representative. Tours of the U.S. Capitol building present a history of the Senate and House of Representatives. Visitors can also view legislative sessions of both houses of Congress from viewing galleries. Guests can also tour the U.S. Supreme Court or view oral arguments in cases on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Smithsonian Institution has 19 museums and galleries in Washington, D.C. along with running the National Zoo. The American History Museum houses some of the country's most historically important artifacts, such as George Washington's military uniform and Thomas Jefferson's writing desk, along with pop culture objects such as the red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz." The Air and Space Museum has 23 galleries showcasing exhibits such as the Apollo 11 Command Module that went to the moon and the Wright Brothers' 1903 airplane.
- The Trust for the National Mall: The Mall
- National Park Service: Washington Monument National Monument
- National Park Service: Lincoln Memorial National Memorial
- The Trust for the National Mall: Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
- The Trust for the National Mall: Jefferson Memorial
- The Trust for the National Mall: FDR Memorial
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images