Celebrating the Lincoln Memorial and Other Great Washington D.C. Sites
100 Years of Honest Abe
The Lincoln Memorial, the massive monument to the revered 16th President of the United States, celebrated its 100-year anniversary on Memorial Day.
The imposing white marble structure, with its huge columns and a stoic, giant statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, sit at the top of an 87-step climb – a nod to Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address during the Civil War that began with the phrase, “Four Score and seven years ago,” or 87 years.
There are more than 160 monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital, so it’s impossible to see them all in just one trip. But here are TravelPulse’s choices for 10 great ones to see in Washington D.C. You’ll be surprised at what we included – and maybe more surprised at what we didn’t.
But no matter what, it’s history on display.
Lincoln Memorial
Even after 100 years, even after countless in-person visits, even after seeing hundreds if not thousands of photographs, it is still impressive and still provides us with thrilling moments. And, even better, it has nuances you might not even realize. Take a good look at Lincoln’s hands to see the dichotomy of his presidency at what was arguably the most turbulent time in the country – one hand is relaxed, the other is clenched. Just one of the secrets of the Memorial and U.S. landmarks.
Jefferson Memorial
Because it is somewhat away from other monuments – still near the National Mall but closer to the Tidal Basin – the Jefferson Memorial is often overlooked. The television show ‘The Simpsons’ in fact once did part of an episode where the statue of the nation’s third President comes to life and bemoans that not as many people visit him. Still, if you want to talk historical significance, this is the man who authored the Declaration of Independence. It’s also an incredible spot to watch the fireworks shows.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
In a city of so many tributes, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is actually one of the newest. Unveiled in 2011, the memorial pays tribute to the man widely considered the greatest civil rights activist in U.S. history. The ‘Stone of Hope’ features King appearing to emerge out of the granite, with his arms crossed.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Flame
Also known as the eternal flame, the memorial to the slain President resides in the expansive Arlington National Cemetery – itself an important visit for any person. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most moving experiences you will ever witness.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Stark. Somber. Simplistic. And yet oh so powerful. This is one of the great military landmarks in the world. The black granite wall is 246 feet long and yet, somehow, it seems so much longer as you look at the more than 58,000 names killed during what was America’s most divisive war. To see friends and relatives of those who died in Vietnam trace the names of their loved ones etched in stone, or leave flowers or teddy bears or photos near the panel where the name is, is extraordinarily poignant.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
America’s forgotten war. In fact, for decades it wasn’t even considered a war, with words like ‘Korean Conflict’ and ‘police action’ being used. The Memorial is actually one of the most startling in Washington, show 19 statues of soldiers who are positioned as if they are a column walking through the trees on patrol.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
There are more than 12,000 artifacts here, some that are representative – such as the train boxcars used by the Nazis to transport Jews to concentration camps – and some very, very real, including clothing, shoes and other personal belongings from the 6 million victims of the Holocaust.
The Smithsonian Institution
So, technically this is more museum than monument or memorial, but it all depends on how you look at it. The Smithsonian is comprised of 19 different museums, actually, all housing more than 100 million pieces of artifacts from America’s history. When you walk in the main entrance of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and see Charles Lindbergh’s plane ‘The Spirit of St. Louis’ hanging from the rafters, the wow factor immediately kicks in. This is one of the great destinations for history buffs.
United States Capitol
There might not be a more impressive, historical, or important piece of history in Washington D.C. than the Capitol Building. With its classic and familiar dome and its awe-inspiring Rotunda, this is the seat of the American government and the true “People’s House.”
Washington National Cathedral
You’ll have to hop in the car for this one as it is located about 15-20 minutes outside of D.C., but the impressive church is more than 100 years old now and has been on the National Register of Historic Places for 48 years now. As wondrous as it is, it isn’t just for show. The general public can actually attend mass at the National Cathedral.