Visiting Washington, D.C. - Your Nation's Capital
I hope that you enjoy your time in Virginia's 8th District and our Nation's Capitol.
There are many points of interest to visit throughout this area. I have compiled a list of places you may wish to visit.
Map of the Washington, DC Metro System
Arlington National
Cemetery
Established during the American Civil War on the grounds
of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Robert
E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Custis Lee, a descendant of Martha Washington,
Arlington National Cemetery is the nation's most well-known military
cemetery. Situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington,
D.C., the cemetery is located next to the Pentagon. Veterans from
all the nation's wars are interred in the cemetery, from the American
Revolution through the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Pre-Civil War dead were re-interred after 1900. Arlington National
is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame,
marking the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.
Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is run by the Congress of the United States.
It is located in Washington, D.C., on the U.S. Capitol Grounds
campus near Garfield Circle. The facility is divided into separate
rooms, each one simulating a different habitat.
It features rare and exotic flora found around the world.
Bureau
of Printing and Engraving
The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is an agency
of the United States Department of the Treasury that prints Federal
Reserve notes for the Federal Reserve and produces a variety of other
government security documents.
Federal
Bureau of Investigation
The FBI is the National Headquarters for the nation's premier crime
fighting agency.
Ford's
Theater and Lincoln Museum
The location where President Abraham Lincoln was shot in 1865 also
features a museum dedicated to his memory.
Gadsby's Tavern
A restaurant and museum full of local history. Gadsby's Tavern Museum
consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel.
The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them
from 1796 to 1808. Mr. Gadsby's establishment was a center of political,
business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting
for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings
of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided
by tavernkeepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held
in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson,
James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.is honor. Other prominent
patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the
Marquis de Lafayette.
Georgetown
Old Stone House, oldest standing house in Washington, west of Rock
Creek Park. Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 3051 M Street,
N.W. (202) 426-6851.
Great Falls
Great Falls Park, a site that is part of the George Washington Memorial
Parkway, is an 800 acre park located along the Potomac River 14 miles
upriver from Washington D.C. The park is known for two things, its
scenic beauty at the head of Potomac River fall line and the historic
Patowmack Canal.
Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution
for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history,
and serves as this country's memorial to the millions of people murdered
during the Holocaust.
Jefferson Memorial
The words of Thomas Jefferson, some written more than 200 years ago,
have shaped American ideals. Today, many of these impressive, stirring
words adorn the interior walls of his memorial. The Thomas Jefferson
Memorial stands as a symbol of liberty and endures as a site for reflection
and inspiration for all citizens of the United States and the world.
John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts
President Kennedy's words resonate more strongly than ever for
the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the 21st
century. As always, the Center continues its efforts to fulfill
President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched
variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral,
chamber, jazz, popular, and folk music, and multi-media performances
for all ages.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution
and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest
library in the world, with more than 130 million items on approximately
530 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 29 million
books and other printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million
photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 58 million manuscripts.
Lincoln Memorial
"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the
Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath
these words, the 16th President of the United States-the Great Emancipator
and preserver of the nation during the Civil War-sits immortalized
in marble. As an enduring symbol of Freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts
anyone who seeks inspiration and hope.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington
from the time of their marriage in 1759 until General Washington's
death in 1799. He worked tirelessly to expand his plantation from 2,000
acres to 8,000 and the mansion house from six rooms to twenty one.
National Aquarium
Located in the heart of Washington, the aquarium features a wide array
of marine life for the public to enjoy.
National Archives
Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted
by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important
for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever. Those
valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you
want to see if they contain clues about your family's history, need
to prove a veteran's military service, or are researching an historical
topic that interests you.
National Gallery of Art
The mission of the National Gallery of Art is to serve the United States
of America in a national role by preserving, collecting, exhibiting,
and fostering the understanding of works of art, at the highest possible
museum and scholarly standards.
National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum, a Smithsonian Institution museum, is located
in the old Post Office building next to Union Station in Washington,
D.C. The Museum was created by an agreement between the Smithsonian
Institution and the United States Postal Service in 1990 and opened
to the public in 1993.
Newseum
The world's first interactive museum of news - the Newseum - opened
in Arlington, Va., in 1997. Its mission was simple: to help the public
and the news media understand one another better. The Newseum has closed
its Arlington, Va., facility while it prepares to relocate to Washington,
D.C.
Old Stone House
Located in Rock Creek Park, the Old Stone House is one of the oldest known
structures in the nation’s capital. Built in the 18th century,
the house today commemorates the lives and customs of the District’s
residents during earlier times in the city’s history.
Pentagon
Located just outside D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, The Pentagon serves as the
headquarters and command center for the U.S. Department of Defense. Built
in 1941-1942, the complex houses over 23,000 military and civilian employees,
and is the highest-capacity office building in the world.
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum complex, and
is comprised of a wide variety of museums and galleries in and around Washington. The
Smithsonian’s major locations around Washington are:
- Anacostia Community Museum – 1901 Fort Place, SE
- Arthur M. Sackler Gallery – 1050 Independence Avenue, SW
- Arts and Industries Building [CLOSED for renovations] – 900 Jefferson Drive, SW
- Freer Gallery of Art – Jefferson Drive and 12th Street, SW
- Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – Independence Ave and 7th Street, SW
- International Gallery – 1100 Jefferson Drive
- National Air and Space Museum – Independence Ave and 7th Street, SW
- National Museum of African Art – 950 Independence Avenue, SW
- National Museum of American Art – 8th and G Streets, NW
- National Museum of the American Indian – Independence Ave and 4th Street, SW
- National Museum of American History [CLOSED until Summer 2008] – Constitution Ave and 14th Street, NW
- National Museum of Natural History – Constitution Ave and 10th Street, NW
- National Portrait Gallery – 8th and F Streets, NW
- National Postal Museum – 2 Massachusetts Ave, NE
- National Zoological Park – 3000 Block, Connecticut Avenue, NW
- Renwick Gallery – Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street, NW
- Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”) – 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW
International Spy Museum
One of Washington’s newest attractions, the Spy Museum thrusts visitors
into a world of espionage and secret identities. The museum’s exhibits
allow visitors to see how espionage has developed through history, how spies
are trained, and the role intelligence played in the Cold War. Located
at 800 F Street, NW.
U.S. State Department
The Department of State is the Cabinet agency of the United States responsible
for diplomacy and interrelations with foreign countries. Though the Department
maintains missions throughout the world, it is headquartered in Washington
in the Harry S. Truman building. Located at 2201 C Street, NW.
U.S. Supreme Court
The highest judicial body in the United States, the Supreme Court is the top
level of the nation’s judicial branch. Comprised of nine justices,
the Court is responsible for interpreting the constitutionality of United States
laws and reviewing the decisions of lower courts. Located at: 1 First
Street, NW.
U.S. Treasury Department
The Department of the Treasury is responsible for the printing and minting
of U.S. currency, as well as the overall management of government revenue. The
Department also collects all federal taxes through the Internal Revenue Service. Located
at: Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, NW.
U.S. Capitol
One of the most well-known buildings in the world, the U.S. Capitol houses
the Senate and House chambers of the Legislative branch. First constructed
in 1793, the Capitol’s location divided the city of Washington into the
four quadrants that still exist today. Visitors may go on tours of the
building which will give them an insight into both the legislative process
and the vast architectural history of the building. Located at 1st Street
SE and Independence or Constitution Avenues.
U.S. Naval Observatory
Established in 1830, the U.S. Naval Observatory is one of the oldest scientific
agencies in the country. Today the Observatory is a leading authority
in global positioning systems (GPS), calculating star and planet orientations,
and obtaining astronomical data. Located at: 34th and Massachusetts Ave,
NW.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Adjacent to the National Mall, the Memorial honors the fallen or missing U.S.
troops from the Vietnam War. Constructed in 1982, the monument is a
solemn tribute to the memory of the over 58,000 troops listed on its walls. The
Memorial receives close to 3 million visitors each year. Located on the
National Mall, near Constitution Avenue and 21st Street.
Washington Monument
Located across the National Mall from the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument
commemorates the legacy of the United States’ first President. Standing
over 555 feet, the Monument is one of the tallest mortar-based structures in
the world. Located on the National Mall, near Constitution Avenue and
14th Street.
The White House
The official residence and workplace for the President of the United States,
the White House is one of the primary icons of the nation’s Executive
Branch. The White House complex includes the Executive Residence, the
West Wing (office for the President and staff), and the East Wing (office for
the First Lady). The building is also adjacent to the Lafayette Park
and the Ellipse, the three of which form “President’s Park.” Located
at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Wolf Trap National Park for the
Performing Arts
Located outside of Washington in Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap offers a picturesque
outdoor venue for a variety of performances. The venue’s unique
schedule includes plays, opera, musicals, symphonies, jazz, ballet, and a host
of others. Located at: 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA.
National Zoological Park
Also part of the Smithsonian system, the National Zoo offers visitors a chance
to see an amazing variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. The
Zoo is especially renowned for its Amazonia exhibit, great cats, and its famous
giant pandas. Located at the base of Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo
emphasizes the importance of both conservation and education for audiences
young and old. Located at: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW.
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