Located at the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one of the principal landmarks of Washington DC, its stately form overlooking the Reflecting Pool, a gleaming stretch of water that lays sprawled before its base. Daniel Chester French's 19-foot (5.7-meter) statue of Lincoln, seated and deep in thought, watches over the nation he helped create, alongside the carved text of the Gettysburg Address, providing a glimpse into a weighty period of American history. The memorial itself draws inspiration from the Greek architectural style, its 36 Doric columns represent the number of states in the union at the time of Lincoln's death. Surrounded by greenery on the banks of the Potomac River, the Lincoln Memorial makes for a soul-stirring, picturesque sight, a fitting ode to one of the nation's most revered Presidents.
The symbol of the city of Washington DC, this 555-foot (169-meter) marble obelisk on the National Mall honors the nation's first president, George Washington. The cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid in 1848, but it was fully constructed only in 1884. One can witness a visible change about one-third of the way up the obelisk marble - evidence of the onset of the Civil War. Construction was stalled during the war, and when the builders returned to the same quarry to complete the project afterward, enough time had passed to cause a significant change in the color. It is an emblem of the United States and an icon of the nation; the Washington Monument is a moving sight, its elegant form mirrored in the Reflecting Pool of the Lincoln Monument nearby.
Part of the original design for the federal city, this massive park stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It has played host to many momentous, world-changing events throughout history including the 1963 March on Washington, the Million Man March and several presidential inaugurations. Today, the National Mall serves as a place for reflection, a memorial to American heroes, a symbol of freedom and a forum for the exercise of democracy. The Smithsonian museums, the Vietnam Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the iconic Washington Monument are some of the most well-known of the National Mall's many iconic sites. Certainly, any visit to Washington DC should start with a tour of the United States National Mall, aptly named "America's front yard."
Designed by John Russell Pope, this Roman-style monument to Thomas Jefferson, the nation's third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, is elegant and simple. Jefferson's 19-foot (5.79 meter) statue stands within, surrounded by some of his most inspirational writings. This is a perfect after-dinner destination. At night, the view of the Washington Monument across the tidal basin is one of the most attractive vistas in Washington, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
This monument is not only a memorial to the nation's 32nd president, but also to the people of his time. The monument stretches along the Tidal Basin over 7.5 acres (3 hectares) and is connected by granite passageways. The four outdoor rooms here exhibit different aspects of Franklin D. Roosevelt's terms in office. The second room, for example, depicts the Great Depression with statues waiting in a bread line. Another room contains a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt, the only memorial to honor a First Lady. The monument also features waterfalls and pools. Set at a scenic location, it is a glorious site to visit in Washington DC.
The pristine facade, elegant dome and porticoes of the Capitol Building are a symbol of the principles held dear by the nation's founding fathers; an emblem of representative democracy. Home to the Legislative Branch of the United States Federal Government, the Senate and the House of Representatives, this iconic neoclassical building attracts many a curious tourists from all over the world. Guided tours of the Capitol offer a glimpse into the everyday working of the government officials and the intricacies of its rich interiors. Offering a lesson about the nation's history and its electoral procedures, this monument continues to inspire awe and wonder.
Built in 1840, the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle is both a beautiful and historical place of worship. St. Matthew is the patron saint of civil servants, so it is no wonder than this cathedral is one of the most prominent cathedrals in the United States' capital. Each year, the special "Red Mass" is held for the Supreme Court justices, President's cabinet, members of Congress, and - sometimes - even the President himself. This "Red Mass" is so named for the color of the vestments worn by those holding the mass. This famous cathedral, which was designed by New York architect C. Grant La Farge, was also the place where President John F. Kennedy's funeral was held in 1963.
The capital of the United States, Washington DC has a commanding presence with its larger-than-life monuments, memorials and tree-flanked boulevards. Politics, art, culture, music and cuisine, the city has it all and it has witnessed more than its fair share of events that have changed the course of American history. A large concentration of the city's landmarks center around the National Mall, including the imposing U.S. Capitol, the towering Washington Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and the Smithsonian Museums. Historic Georgetown and Foggy Bottom blend to offer late night revels and a young vibe, and the multitude of superb ethnic restaurants feature a diverse array of food from around the world. From its monumental landmarks to its vibrant cultural milieu, Washington DC is a city apart.
The Whittemore House is a historic building in Washington DC. Now opened as a house museum it is now the headquarters of Woman’s National Democratic Club. The exhibits on display are mostly about the political campaigns, art exhibits and photographs of the struggle the women of National Democratic Club had been through. Built in 1894, this house is now open to public and it can be used as a venue for weddings and private events. The interiors of the house are well furnished and the furniture is perfectly maintained. There is a small courtyard which surrounds the house making it a perfect venue for parties and functions.
With cute boutiques, great restaurants, amazing nightlife spots, and tourist attractions like the African-American Civil War Memorial, U Street is a wonderful neighborhood in the city. A portion of this nine-block district is part of the larger Shaw District, but U Street is unique because it was once the cultural center for African Americans in the city and the area remains important to this day. U Street is known for its cultural vibe, you'll discover artistic murals lining the neighborhood as well as top jazz venues and theaters.
The monumental cornerstone of the United States presidency, the White House is the formal abode and headquarters of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this gleaming neoclassical structure was originally referred to as the Presidential Mansion, before Theodore Roosevelt lovingly bestowed upon it the moniker of 'White House' - a name that would go on to signify not only the physical structure, but the entire collective unit that comprised of the President and his advisers. While John Adams was the first incumbent of this official home, several leaders that followed added their own elements to its interiors, the most noteworthy being the comprehensive redecoration carried out by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of erstwhile President John F. Kennedy. Today, the central building of the White House comprises of the Executive Residence, while the rest of this colossal structure consists of a total of 132 rooms, a tennis court, a putting green, 35 bathrooms, a cinema and a bowling alley named after Harry S. Truman.