Introduction

For this historical post, I decided to do something a little different than previous. The past couple travel itineraries have been focused on certain historical figures along with a major excursion. With this post, I intend to create a travel guide that is a little more simple but still captures the essence of historical learning and exploration. So follow along with this Washington D.C city guide as I highlight its must see historical sights. Cities are flourishing with historical knowledge and D.C. is no exception. Washington D.C. which is the capital of the United States serves as a blueprint of American history. I decided to focus on the National Mall which comes out to be around a five mile loop and allows visitors to see as many memorials, monuments, and museums during their visit. 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The first stop on our city tour is actually the most visited memorial on the National Mall and was built to commemorate the 58,000 servicemen and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. It’s conflicts like this that show how tragic our past can be with over three million people dying in this conflict. The Vietnam War was extremely conflicting for Americans with many questioning why the United States was involved. It left a lasting impact on America’s citizens, its economy, and its politics. The memorial’s main feature is the shimmering black granite wall that forms a wide V. Engraved on the structure is the name of each serviceman and woman that lost their life during the war filling just about every inch of the granite. 

The memorial itself wasn’t short of controversy either. The leaders of the memorial fund held a competition to select a design and the winner surprised many. The winner was Maya Lin, a Yale University undergraduate who submitted her design as a part of one of her architecture courses (she received a B from her professor on the design). Many stated that her limited background should have disqualified her and many were critical of the somber design. Some critics vouched for a more heroic and grandeur design but Lin advocated for honesty. She wanted to drive home the point that these people left for Vietnam and never came back. A harsh fact many can forget when discussing war. With some compromise, the memorial was approved with the addition of a statue of three soldiers; years later a statue of three servicewomen were also added. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial really sets the tone for this journey through the National mall and forces visitors to really contemplate the full scope of our history books.

Lincoln Memorial

The next stop on our city walk is one of the more iconic memorials of the National Mall as it immortalizes one of the most pivotal American figures and one of the most pivotal times in the United States. The greek-like structure rests elevated on top of the west end of the National Mall and inside sits the 19 foot tall statue of President Abraham Lincoln. The figure is larger than life and rightfully so as the 16th President of the United States helped navigate his country through extreme division and held together a country at war with itself. Inside you will also find the Gettysburg Address inscribed on the limestone walls. This iconic speech given by President Lincoln reinvigorated people’s belief and understanding of the civil war. It was more than just a fight to keep the United States together but a fight for the beliefs the United States was founded on, freedom and equality. 

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Just a short distance from the Lincoln Memorial, visitors will find the complex and eye-catching Korean War Veterans Memorial. Like many other memorials, this art piece commemorates a historical event that has passed but continues to have major implications on our world today. In 1950, the communist backed North Korean side invaded the Democracy backed South Korean side. With WWII fresh on American minds, the United States sent troops to support South Korea and their democratic allies. After nearly five million deaths (almost 40,000 American), the war came to a cease fire in 1953 with a border being drawn at the 38th parallel. Today, tensions continue between the two sides along with their communist and democratic supporters. North Korea continually makes headlines with their various military displays. The memorial was dedicated in 1995 and can be described as a circle intersected by a V by the national park service website. On the grounds you will find 19 statues depicting American soldiers on patrol and within the circle you will find a reflection pool surrounded by trees. The perfect location to reflect and appreciate the sacrifices people have made over the years so that freedom may remain. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Sitting on the banks of the Tidal Basin, you will find our next destination. The Martin Luther King jr memorial is one of the newer memorials on the National Mall and the first to honor a man of color. King was one of the leading activists of the United States Civil Rights Movement which eventually helped end legal segregation. It’s only right that a man of his stature and determination belong on the National Mall with the likes of other American leaders. The memorial draws inspiration from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in which he stated “with this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.” As you stand there you will notice that King is part of that stone of hope removed from the mountain of despair. You will also notice that the stone of hope remains unfinished enforcing the idea that we have made progress towards equality but still have much work to do.

World War II Memorial

Wrapping up the west end of the National Mall, visitors arrive at the intricate World War II Memorial that has bits of historical information all over its grounds. Dedicated in 2004, this memorial was built to commemorate sacrifices Americans made during this war and the 405,399 Americans that lost their lives. The Memorial is split into two sides to represent the Atlantic and Pacific fronts and at the center visitors will find the fountain of eternal life. Surrounding the pool are columns representing the states and U.S. territories that make up the United States. As you walk throughout visitors will find various homages to events and people of World War II. 

Washington Monument

Serving as our midway point is the Washington Monument which stands alone in the green National Mall field. This serves as a great stop to relax and stretch your legs; maybe even lay out on the grass and enjoy the beautiful skies. The Washington Monument was built to honor the first president of the United States and one of our most prominent leaders in gaining our independence. The Monument stands exactly 555 feet tall and reopened to the public last year. So, if you are interested in heading to the top book well in advance as you need to have a reserved spot.  

The U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol sits as the staple of the National Mall’s east side and is home to the United States Legislative branch. This Capitol building is extremely unique and one could spend days adventuring about its halls and still be left in awe at the hidden details of American history. If visitors are intrigued enough to tour the inside they should make sure to reserve a tour here. It’s at this location where the history of the United States is written into law. Construction began in 1793 but wasn’t deemed complete until 1826 yet the first meeting here occurred on November 17, 1800. The Capitol building is a must on this National Mall adventure as it is the epitome of American democracy and history. 

The White House

Now, our final stop is not exactly on the National Mall but I think it is definitely worth the short walk as it is home to the most powerful leader in the United States and has been since its creation. It was originally built in 1792 but was burned down by the British during the War of 1812 then rebuilt in the 1820s. Since then, there have been constant upgrades making it one of the safest homes in the world and as you monitor the area you will definitely agree. Tours of the White House are available here but they have to be booked well in advance. A trip into The White House is something that should be taken seriously as it is filled with American artifacts and home to the President. 

Washington D.C. is one of my favorite cities in the world and I hope that this city guide provides rich information so that visitors can appreciate it as much as I do. Experiences are enriched when we show up educated and prepared with details on what we are visiting! This tour will surely fill your day with a total of eight stops but it hardly scratches the surface of this city’s deep history. If you have been to D.C. please let me know in the comments your thoughts!