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Walking Tour of Monuments and MemorialsA scenic walk from the
White House, along the National Mall, around the Tidal Basin to the
Capitol
Rating: 5 out of 5 by EveryTrail members
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.7 miles
Duration: 1-3 hours
Family Friendly
Overview: This is a great way to see all of the Monuments and
Memorials of Washington DC, each unique and important in its own
way. The walk starts at the White House and continues through the
National Mall, along the Reflecting Pool, around the Tidal Basin,
and eventually ends at the US Capitol Building and Supreme Court.
This tour will take you through many significant eras in the
history of the United States, including the Revolutionary War,
Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, past several memories to
inspiring presidents such as Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson, and
past all three branches of government.
On top of that, it is a scenic walk and quite relaxing depending
on the time of year and the weather. After completing this walk,
you will have seen most of the tourist destinations in Washington
DC (other than the museums that surround the National Mall).
Tips: For a shorter version of the tour you can end at the
Washington Monument after looping around the Tidal Basin rather
than walking down the entire length of the National Mall towards to
Capitol Building.
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Points of Interest
1. The White House
The White House is the official residence and office of the
President of the United States and the first family. It is located
at 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue and was built between 1792 and 1800. In
1814, during the war of 1812 it caught fire and much of the
interior was damaged.
There are several sections of the White House, spread out over 6
floors (4 above, 2 below ground), including the Executive
Residence, West Wing,
Cabinet Room, Roosevelt Room, East Wing and Old Executive Office
Building.
2. The Washington Monument
Built in honor of George Washington, the Washington Monument is
hard to miss as it stands 555.5 ft tall in the middle of the
National Mall. Anyone can go to the top free of charge but you
may need to wait a while to get your free ticket. Once at the
top,
you can see up to 30 miles in an direction on a clear day.
3. World War II Memorial
The World War II memorial, located at one end of the reflecting
pool commemorates all those who sacrifices for the United
States during World War II. It is designed by Fredrich St.
Florian and contains pillars representing each of the 50
states,
2000 feet 500 m
2013 Microsoft Corporation 2012 Nokia
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surrounding a fountain in the middle. It is lit up at night, and
you can see the Lincoln Memorial across the reflecting pool in
the
distance.
4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Designed by Maya Lin, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the
men and women who were lost while fighting for the United
States during the Vietnam War. While walking along the wall it
is difficult not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of
names
carved into the wall.
5. Lincoln Memorial
Perhaps the most famous and most-highly visited Memorial, the
Lincoln Memorial stands on the end of the National Mall
opposite the Capitol Building. it is dedicated to the memory of
Abraham Lincoln, who most people claim as their favorite US
president of all time for all that he stood for and accomplished
in his time. The Memorial stands as a symbol of freedom,
remembering the Civil War and Abolition, of which Lincoln was
such a strong supporter.
On either side of the large statue of lincoln are two famous
speeches, carved into the stone walls.
6. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
At the foot of the Lincoln Memorial stands a reflecting pool
where you can see the reflection of the Washington Monument
further
down the National Mall. Roughly 24 million visitors a year visit
the National Mall, and many make it to the reflecting pool to
take
one of the better-known pictures of Washington DC.
In 2009, President Barack Obama held his inaugural celebration
on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with around 400,000 watching
around the
reflecting pool and the tidal basin.
7. Korean War Veterans Memorial
19 steel sculptures are positioned here reminding visitors of
the cost of defending freedom. The memorial remembers the
Korean War, where the United States helped to defend the freedom
of South Korea.
8. FDR Memorial
Walk around the Tidal Basin to find the Franklin Delano
Roosevelt Memorial, which has the most square footage out of any
of
the other memorials. It is located along Cherry Tree Walk (visit
here in Spring to see the full effect of the blossoming cherry
trees).
As you walk through the memorial, you will walk through 12 hears
of American History, separated by four sections, representing
Roosevelt's four
separate terms in office.
9. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
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Thomas Jefferson played one of the larger roles as a founding
father during the birth of the United States and his words and
ideals have shaped America ever since.
In this Memorial, Jefferson stands tall as a symbol of liberty
(for which he fought throughout his life) looking out over the
Tidal Basin.
10. Holocaust Memorial Museum
It is by far the newest Memorial along this tour but should not
be missed. This memorial serves to honor and remember the
victims of the Holocaust. At the museum, you can listen to an
audio montage of stories from the few who survived.
11. United States Capitol Building
The United States Capitol Building is arguably the most
important building in Washington DC. It was built in 1793 and has
been
rebuilt, destroyed, and remodeled many times. Other than the
Washington Monument, no other building is allowed to be taller
than the Capitol Building, and the city plan and street numbers
are all based around the building as the center of the city.
This is where the Legislative Branch of the United States
government runs (both the House of Representatives and the
Senate).
12. United States Supreme Court
The United States Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in
the United States. The 9 justices are appointed by the
president
and serve a life term (it only ends upon death, resignation,
retirement, or impeachment). Most legal disputes are first heard
at
local and state courts, but may reach the Supreme Court if the
matter has a large impact on the interpretation of the
Constitution,
the most important document in the United States Government.
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