By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo In Washington DC, USA
When one arrives in Washington DC, capital of the United States of America, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is the nature of the environment. Besides the cleanliness, the beautiful architectural structures doted left and right also forces you to smile deeply in your heart.
The way the city is planned also gives you the impression that a careful study was carried out to ensure that several factors were taken into consideration. However, taking a tour of the city speaks of the several memorable monuments and memorials idolized in memory of great Americans who have in one way of the other contributed to the growth of the nation.
Before identifying these 26 sites which have becomes touristic attractions, one thing too note is the fact that, they are arranged in an educational manner which speaks of the history behind them. Most of these major attractions are located on the National Mall, which extends from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, with many of them running along Constitution Avenue.
Even though many of the monuments and memorials are open 24-hours a day, 365-days-a-year and you do not need to make reservations, memorials are usually staffed by National Park Service, NPS Rangers who can answer questions at any time.
U.S Capitol Building
The United States Capitol Building is the first stop. Located in Washington, D.C., at the eastern end of the National Mall on a plateau 88 feet above the level of the Potomac River, the building commands a westward view across the U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument 1.4 miles away and the Lincoln Memorial 2.2 miles away in a straight-line position.
For sure, the Capitol Building is the seat of the Senate and the House of Representatives where they come together to discuss, debate and deliberate national policy; develop consensus; and craft the country’s laws. In addition to its active use by Congress, the U.S. Capitol is a museum of American art and history.
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is an obelisk shaped building within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built in honour George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army (1775–1784) in the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States (1789–1797).
Located almost due east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, the monument, made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, is both the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk.
Looking closely, the monument color changes a third of the way up the tower with reason that that the original marble quarry, Thomas Symington’s in Baltimore, was no longer in operation by the time government wanted to continue constriction.
Lincoln Memorial
Walking into Abrahm Lincolm Memorial, one iconic point is the position where Martin Luther Jr. stood and made his speech. However, it’s hard to view this stunning work that is dedicated to the memory and achievements of Abraham Lincoln without feeling moved. The structure itself, a neoclassical masterpiece made of white stone and framed by 36 columns, is astonishingly beautiful.
Inside, the statue of Lincoln sitting in contemplation is unforgettable to most visitors memorial features inscriptions of the 16th President’s Second Inaugural Address and The Gettysburg Address, which is considered by many to be his most famous speech.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The memorial is located on a four-acre stretch on the Tidal Basin, with the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. carved into the Stone of Hope, which juts out of two large boulders. A sight to see, the two boulders are made to represent the Mountain of Despair and are split in half to reveal the Stone of Hope.
The text from his legendary “I have a Dream” speech is inscribed into the rock as well other messages he said during his life. Several visitors as well as students visit the place to see the great man.
Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is located on the bank of the Potomac River Tidal Basin. The Memorial is recognised by it’s dome-shaped roof and circular marble steps. Its design is notably similar to the University of Virginia rotunda, a structure that Jefferson designed.
Inside, Thomas Jefferson statue sits inside and is surrounded by excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, written by Jefferson and other founding fathers.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The Frankline Delano Roosevelt Memorial is located in the West Potomac Park along the tidal basin. The memorial is dedicated to the memory of the 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This unique memorial features four different outdoor “rooms,” each representing one term of his four in the office from 1933 until he passed away in 1945. This is the first memorial that was built to be wheelchair accessible and is the only presidential monument to include a special memorial to the First Lady. Eleanor is immortalized in bronze, standing next to the United Nations emblem.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located near Constitution Gardens on the National Mall and honors those members of the United States armed forces who fought, those who lost their lives and those who were missing in action. There are three separate parts to the memorial, a Three Soldiers Statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial was built to honor the 16 million military personnel who served during World War II. This memorial on the National Mall features 56 granite columns to represent the unity between 48 states, seven federal territories and the District of Columbia.
Among others, the Khalil-Gibran Memorial, Arsenal, Rush-Bagot, Washington Mini, Daguerre as well as The Portrait Monuments also have symbolic history to tell. Don’t lose a glimpse of their structural arrangement to fit the narratives.
First Published in The Post newspaper in 2022
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