1 Day Monuments and Memorials in Washington DC

Description:

The idea of a tribute to George Washington first arose 16 years before his death, at the Continental Congress of 1783. But the new nation had more pressing problems and funds were not readily available. It wasn't until the early 1830s, with the 100th anniversary of Washington's birth approaching, that any action was taken.

Then there were several fiascoes. A mausoleum was provided for Washington's remains under the Capitol Rotunda, but a grandnephew, citing Washington's will, refused to allow the body to be moved from Mount Vernon. In 1830, Horatio Greenough was commissioned to create a memorial statue for the Rotunda. He came up with a bare-chested Washington, draped in classical Greek garb. A shocked public claimed he looked as if he were "entering or leaving a bath," and so the statue was relegated to the Smithsonian. Finally, in 1833, prominent citizens organized the Washington National Monument Society. Treasury Building architect Robert Mills's design was accepted.

The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848; and for the next 37 years, watching the monument grow, or not grow, was a local pastime. Declining contributions and the Civil War brought construction to a halt at an awkward 150 feet (you can still see a change in the color of the stone about halfway up). The unsightly stump remained until 1876, when President Grant approved federal moneys to complete the project. Dedicated in 1885, it was opened to the public in 1888.

Visiting the Washington Monument: A series of security walls encircles the Washington Monument grounds, a barrier to vehicles but not people; the National Park Service has gone to a good bit of trouble to incorporate these 33-inch-high walls into a pleasing landscape design. Please be aware that large backpacks and open containers of food or drink are not allowed inside the monument; small sealed containers are okay. You'll need a ticket, and then you pass through a small screening facility before entering the monument's large elevator, which whisks you upward for 70 seconds.

Reaching the top, you'll be standing in the highest tip of the world's tallest free-standing work of masonry. The Washington Monument lies at the very heart of Washington, D.C., landmarks, and its 360-degree views are spectacular. Due east are the Capitol and Smithsonian buildings; due north is the White House; due west are the World War II and Lincoln memorials (with Arlington National Cemetery beyond); due south is the Jefferson Memorial, overlooking the Tidal Basin and the Potomac River. "On a clear day, you can see west probably 60 miles, as far as the Shenandoah Mountains," says National Park Service spokesperson Bill Line. Like being at the center of a compass, the monument provides a marvelous orientation to the city.

The glass-walled elevator slows down in its descent, to allow passengers a view of some of the 192 carved stones inserted into the interior walls that are gifts from foreign countries, all 50 states, organizations, and individuals. One stone you usually get to see is the one given by the state of Alaska in 1982 -- it's pure jade and worth millions. There are stones from Siam (now Thailand), the Cherokee Nation, the Vatican, and the Sons of Temperance, to name just a few.

Allow half an hour here, plus time spent waiting in line. A concession stand is open at the corner of 15th Street and Madison Drive NW.

Ticket Information: Admission to the Washington Monument is free, but you still have to get a ticket. The ticket booth is located in the Monument Lodge, at the bottom of the hill from the monument, on 15th Street NW between Madison and Jefferson drives. It opens daily at 8:30am. Tickets are often gone by 9am, so plan to get there by 7:30 or 8am, especially in peak season. The tickets grant admission at half-hour intervals between the stated hours on the day you visit. If you want to get tickets in advance, call the National Park Reservation Service (tel. 877/444-6777) or go to www.recreation.gov. The tickets themselves are free, but you'll pay $1.50 per ticket, plus $2.85 for shipping and handling, if you're ordering 10 or more days in advance; otherwise, you pick up the tickets at the "will call" window at the ticket kiosk. To make sure that you get tickets for your desired date, reserve these tickets at least 2 weeks in advance. You can order up to six tickets.

Description:

A stunning tribute to the 16th president of the United States, this memorial sits at the western end of the reflecting pool and the national mall. This famous memorial is featured on both the penny and the back of the five dollar bill. The Lincoln Memorial is also the historic site of the famous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his "I have a dream" speech. A true must visit for any trip to Washington, DC. Inside the temple-like structure you will find a 19-foot tall statue of Lincoln seated, with a number of memorable speeches inscribed in the walls that surround him.

Description:

One of the most powerful and moving sights in the District of Columbia is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located near the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial. The main portion of the memorial, dedicated in 1982, was designed by architect Maya Ying Lin and contains 58,256 names of soldiers who either died or were classified as missing in action as a result of the conflict in Vietnam. The memorial consists of two long black granite walls that are sunk into the ground, inscribed with the names of the fallen. Visitors can walk along a path, viewing both the names on the wall and their own reflection simultaneously. In addition, a smaller bronze statue named The Three Soldiers stands at the end of the wall, looking back on their comrades. This addition was a compromise due to the negative reaction to the original design, and was dedicated in 1984. The final addition came in 1993 in the form of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, dedicated to the women of the United States who served in the Vietnam War.

Description:

This privately funded memorial, founded in 1995, honors those who served in Korea, a 3-year conflict (1950-53) that produced almost as many casualties as Vietnam. It consists of a circular "Pool of Remembrance" in a grove of trees and a triangular "Field of Service," highlighted by lifelike statues of 19 infantrymen, who appear to be trudging across fields. A 164-foot-long black-granite wall depicts the array of combat and support troops that served in Korea (nurses, chaplains, airmen, gunners, mechanics, cooks, and others); a raised granite curb lists the 22 nations that contributed to the UN's effort there; and a commemorative area honors KIAs, MIAs, and POWs. Plan to spend 15 minutes for viewing.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is one of the best monuments to view at night.

Description:

Located between the Lincoln and the Jefferson Memorials, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (FDR) is unlike any other memorial in DC. Commemorative both the life and the times of FDR, the memorial includes four areas, each designed to remind visitors of the key events during each of FDR's terms. Unlike the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials that are confined by buildings, this memorial spreads out over a large, uncovered area. The memorial makes generous use of water and unique lighting techniques to bring to life to each of the outdoor rooms. The original memorial included a statute of FDR in a wheelchair partially covered by a cloak. More recently, a group of disability advocates commissioned an additional statue of FDR, clearly in a wheelchair. This statue now stands at the entrance to the memorial.

Description:

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 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 in Washington, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Admission is free.

Description:

Raised wooden booths flank one side of the restaurant; an imposing, old-fashioned dark-wood bar with saddle-seat stools extends down the other. Background music is recorded swing music during the day, more mainstream music into the night. Old Glory boasts the city's "largest selection of single-barrel and boutique bourbons" and a rooftop deck with outdoor seating and views of Georgetown.

After 9pm or so, the two-story restaurant becomes packed with the hard-drinkin' young and restless. In early evening, though, Old Glory is prime for anyone -- singles, families, or an older crowd -- although it's almost always noisy. Come for the messy, tangy, delicious spareribs; hickory-smoked chicken; tender, smoked beef brisket; or marinated, wood-fired shrimp. Six sauces are on the table, the spiciest being the vinegar-based East Carolina and Lexington. The complimentary corn muffins and biscuits; side dishes of collard greens, succotash, and potato salad; and desserts like apple crisp and coconut cherry cobbler all hit the spot.

Description:

Arlington National Cemetery sits on the Virginia banks of the Potomac River and overlooks Washington DC and the monuments clustered around Lincoln Memorial. More than 300,000 people are buried on the rolling 200-acre grounds of Arlington Cemetery including veterans from all of America's military conflicts, American explorers, astronauts, literary figures, presidents, Supreme Court Justices, and prominent figures from Black and Hispanic history. Visit the eternal flame of President John F. Kenney's grave, see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, or simply walk the grounds and explore the final resting place of so many of America's own. Enjoy quiet pristine views of the Potomac and DC from the front lawn of the Arlington House (also known as Custis-Lee Mansion). Paid parking is available, accessible from Memorial Drive at $1.75 - $2.00/hour. The Metro blue line stops at the Arlington National Cemetery station during visitor hours. Tourmobile also services Arlington Cemetery.