Things to do in Washington, DC - Washington
Attractions
Washington, DC
In 1790, Washington was established as a permanent city of the
Federal Government. Amongst capitals, Washington is one of the few
that was planned prior to building it. In Washington, history can be found
in abundance from Famous Houses to Majestic Memorials. At the end of
the twentieth century, the Jeffereson and Lincoln memorials were built in
honor of their patriotic duty. To satisfy the nature seeker, camp
grounds can be found in abundance for those who prefer not to stay in
a hotel but enjoy the natural resources of Washington.
Primarily, Washington is known for its abundance of history being the home
of the Federal Government of the United States. Washington provides
many attractions for tourist from memorials to monuments in downtown
Washington, DC. These venues include: the international Spy
Museum, Vietnam Verterans Memorial, National Air and Space Museum, United
States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian National Zoological Park,
Washington Nation Cathedral, Roosevelt Memorial, George Washington Memorial
Parkway, John Ford's Theatre, Rock Creek Park, President's Park, Korean War
Veteran's Memorial, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Greenbelt Park,
and Robert E. Lee Memorial.
Serving as this country's memorial for the millions of Jews that were murdered,
is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It provides
documentation and interpretation of the Holocaust's complete history. Multiple
exhibits display the state-sponsored systematic persecution and destruction of
the European Jewry by Germany. By dissemination of information related to the
Holocaust and preserving the memory of those who suffered, preventative
measures can be taken to not allow this type of genocide to be
repeated again.
The International Spy Museum exhibit allows the
curious thrill seeker to take an inside look at the contemporary role of
espionage in the world today. This one of a kind Museum, presents the
tools, techniques, and missions of individuals dedicated to the trade craft of
espionage.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was created Maya
Lin in recognition to the men and women that served in America's divisive wars.
Presenting the veteran's names etched in a beautiful black
granite, a wall was created to preserves those who served in foreign
wars from being eclipsed by the politics of the day. This
extraordinary monument contains 58,249 names of both men and women that
service in the US military.
Maintaining the largest preserved collection of air and spacecraft is the Smithsonian
institutes National Air and Space Museum.
Benefiting mankind, the Space Museum provides the biggest research of
history, science, and technology of aviation of its kind. It is composed
of two major exhibits: The National Mall building and The
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center designed to display hundreds
of artifacts from the Wright 1903 Flyer to the Lockheed SR-71 Balckbird.
Offering fun and entertainment for people of all ages, The Smithsonian
National Zoo is dedicated to the welfare and care of animals.
Stimulating programs and education provide something new for every visit. Not
only is the institute concerned about animals but it also works with
conservation organizations, governments, and other partners all over the world
for the appreciation of animals.
The Washington National Cathedral is operated
by the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation chartered by the United States
in 1893 and has a three fold purpose, A National House of Prayer for all
People, a Great Church for National Purposes, and the chief Mission Church
of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Located via the Cherry Tree walk at the western side of the Tidal Basin is the
famous Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. Tracing
twelve years of unprecedented history are are four connecting rooms that
depict each term of office. Several inspirational sculptures of the 32nd
president are displayed to revive the life and times of Roosevelt. Amongst them
is a 10 foot statue depicting Roosevelt in a wheelchair due to polio
while another illustrates him riding in a state's car during his first
inauguration.
Preserving the natural scenery beside the Potamac River, is the George
Washington Memorial Parkway. It connects historic sites from
Mount Vernon to the Great Falls of the Potomac. Here is where the president
displayed his talent as an engineer before he became the first president.
In 1861, John Ford purchased a church building which later would become
very famous. After a fire in 1863, Ford decided to rebuild and
convert the multilevel building into a theatre. From 1863 to 1865, over
400 performances were staged at the theatre making it a great success.
A perfect time to visit Rock Creek Park is during the
summer time where temperatures average 82 degrees. This
makes ideal weather for invigorating walks, forest views, near quiet
lazy creeks exciting the senses of the out-door adventurer. Offering
the tourist an opportunity to sooth their senses, no other place can
compare with the fresh air and aura of the open forest.
From Bosk to Bivouac, the President's Park has served for many
creative purposes. With the White House as a background, the
Park has played host to suffragettes, freedom riders, anti-war
protestors, Easter celebrations and almost every type of
occasion. While spending time with history, visitors can enjoy 82
acres of open breathtaking scenery.
Unlike the belief of a minority, freedom has a price to pay depicted here in
the nineteen sculptured soldiers at the Korean Memorial.
Facing these sculptures is a solid granite wall with
images commemorating the lives lost during the campaign at
Chosin Reservoir Korea.
One of the leading African Americans of the nineteenth century was Frederick Douglass.
Serving as inspiration to those whose struggled for the cause of liberty, his
life serves as a testament to courage and persistence. Amongst his
struggles were the efforts to abolish slavery and secure the rights for
oppressed people.
Rediscover life outdoors in the urban oasis of Greenbelt Park
just twelve miles from the White House where 1100 acres of deciduous
forest can be found. For just a small fee, the adventurer can find
accommodations at Greenbelt's campgrounds. Over 174 campground sites
are available with hot showers and bathroom amenities.
For thirty years, the Arlington house was the home of Robert E. Lee
and his family. Prior to his ownership, it was owned by The George
Washington Parks Service who built the house to memorialize George
Washington.
It has been well connected to many people and events in American
history including: a family home, plantation
estate, Military Headquarters, Community for Emancipated Slaves,
and a National Cemetery.
By far Washington is a must see for every American who wishes to know more
about the history of the United States.
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