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• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Overview The and President’s Park , D.C.

Contact Information For more information about The and President’s Park Foundation Document, contact: [email protected] or (202)208-1631 or write to: President’s Park, 1100 Drive, SW, Washington, D.C. 20242 Purpose

The purpose of the President’s Park is to:

• Preserve the cultural resources of the White House—its architecture, artifacts, landscape design, gardens and grounds, and the surrounding parklands—in ways that foster and preserve dignity and respect for the office of the presidency, while still allowing for their use.

• Provide a dignified transition area from an urban environment to the White House environs.

• Interpret the history and significance of the presidency, the White House, and President’s Park, including their relationship to the American public, our republican form of government, and the growth of Washington, D.C.

• Preserve existing historic memorials as examples of memorial art.

• Provide a large open area associated with the White House for freedom of public expression and assembly activities, as well as for public use and enjoyment. The purpose statements are reprinted from the Comprehensive Design Plan for the White House and • Protect and enhance views to and from the President’s Park (2000). White House and provide a setting for viewing the White House.

• Preserve Lafayette Park as open public space in The purpose of The White House is to: the foreground of the White House, as a setting for passive activities (reflecting, observing, • Provide a residence that offers privacy, making a personal connection with the protection, and recreational opportunities for presidency), First Amendment activities within the first family. legal limitations, and as a support area for • Provide a suitable location for the official presidential inaugural activities. functions and activities of the presidency. • Preserve and interpret Lafayette Park as one • Provide office facilities for the president and element of the oldest planned federal reservation immediate staff. in the nation, an example of early American landscape design, and the 19th century • Preserve and interpret the museum character neighborhood of the president. of the White House; provide public access to the principal corridor on the ground floor and to • Provide a setting for viewing the White House the state rooms on the first floor. and elements of the Lafayette Square National Historic Landmark District. Significance

Significance statements express why The White House and President’s Park resources and values are important enough to merit national park unit designation. Statements of significance describe why an area is important within a global, national, regional, and systemwide context. These statements are linked to the purpose of the park unit, and are supported by data, research, and consensus. Significance statements describe the distinctive nature of the park and inform management decisions, focusing efforts on preserving and protecting the most important resources and values of the park unit. President’s Park reflects the growth of the presidency, as well The following significance statements are reprinted from as the evolving social and cultural experiences of our nation. the Comprehensive Design Plan for the White House and The park is the oldest federal reservation in the nation, and President’s Park (2000). it is a nationally significant historic landscape that continues to reflect the design principles of Pierre Charles L’Enfant in The White House is significant as the and 1791, Downing in 1851, and the Olmsted office of every U.S. president and his family except George brothers in the 1930s—design principles that have withstood Washington. It is the only official residence of a head of the test of time. President’s Park is integral to the historic state in the world that is regularly open to the public free of layout of the city, which was initially designed to physically charge. The White House is also an extraordinary museum represent the functional relationships of the three branches of comprising rare and fine arts, furnishings, and objects— our government. Memorials that have been incorporated into many of which are associated with presidents, making the historic landscape design commemorate significant events it possible for people to come in direct contact with our and individuals in the nation’s history. The White House nation’s history. grounds contain commemorative plantings by presidents and first ladies. The White House is the oldest federally built building in Washington, D.C., and it is one of the foremost examples of The White House and President’s Park contain valuable open the 18th century architecture and stone carving in the United space in the center of a densely urban environment. This States. The White House also serves as a sustaining focal space is available for use by the president, the first family, and point for an important historic neighborhood. the public. The surrounding President’s Park also allows for public access and assembly close to the White House, and The White House is a symbol of the power and authority it serves as a national and even international stage for the of the U.S. presidency, the center of the executive branch expression of First Amendment rights and for U.S. citizens to of government, and the focus of diplomatic relations with petition their government. other countries. As such, the White House is the setting for interactions between the public and the president, as Lafayette Square National Historic Landmark District, well as between the president and other heads of state. To which includes adjacent buildings, represents the president’s many the White House is a symbol of a free and democratic neighborhood; its function, landscape design, architecture, nation because it is accessible and open, as is the ideal of the and social purpose as a place for people to gather are democratic process. Its endurance for over 200 years reflects historically significant. the stability of our nation. As a result, the White House evokes an extraordinary range and depth of emotions among As a focus of national events for over 200 years, The White U.S. citizens and visitors from other cultures and countries. House grounds and President’s Park contain important historic archeological resources relating to the history of the American presidency and to the history of Washington, D.C. Fundamental Resources and Values

Fundamental resources and values are those features, • White House Grounds. The White House grounds systems, processes, experiences, stories, scenes, sounds, cultural landscape consists of the gardens and grounds smells, or other attributes determined to merit primary within the iron fence line of the White House that provide consideration during planning and management processes privacy, protection, and recreation for the first family because they are essential to achieving the purpose of the as well as the backdrop for official events. The grounds park and maintaining its significance. were originally designed by and have evolved through designs by and • The White House and the Wings. The White House is the , Jr. as well as others. The north oldest public building in the District of Columbia and has grounds consist of a semi-circular drive arching around a been the home and office of every president of the United circular fountain centered on the house. Groves of trees, States except for . The White House, many commemorative, flank the drive to the east and west. including its wings, serves as the residence of the first The south grounds consist of a circular drive reached by family, offices for the president and staff, and an evolving a tangential road on the south with entrances at the east museum. A number of state rooms are used for a variety of and west end. A circular fountain, centered on the house, functions from presidential staff meetings to formal dinners is located further south of the drive. Groves of trees and honoring visiting dignitaries. While the White House itself bushes, many commemorative, flank the east and west sides has expanded since its original construction, it remains of the . relatively unaltered and its design and architecture continue to serve as a symbol of a stable nation. • (President’s Park South). The Ellipse area, or President’s Park South, to the south of the White The White House and President’s Park comprise three distinct House grounds is another important cultural landscape. cultural landscapes that are each fundamental to the park and President’s Park South consists of the rectangular park provide the setting for the “President’s Park” as defined by area known as the Ellipse, Sherman Park to the northeast, Pierre L’Enfant in 1791. and First Division to the northwest. An elliptical roadway serves as the centerpiece of the Ellipse with narrow curved • Lafayette Park. Lafayette Park to the north of the White House is a 19th-century public park redesigned in the roads, referred to as dog legs, in the northeast, southeast, 1960s. The park is bounded by H Street to the north, and southwest corners. President’s Park South is ringed to the east, Avenue to the with a series of monuments and memorials that include: south, and to the west. Two brick elliptical the , the Zero , General paths bisected by two brick parallel straight walkways William T. Sherman Statue, the Boy Scout Commemorative inscribe the rectangular park. Elliptical fountains accent the Tribute, and the . The park also east-west line of the park. Monuments to Revolutionary is significant for its views to and from the , War heroes (Marquis Gilbert de Lafayette, Comte Jean de , and . Rochambeau, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, and Baron Frederich Wilhelm von Steuben) anchor the corners, and an equestrian statue honoring President Jackson in the sits in the center of the park. Two 19th-century urns, known as the Navy Urns, flank the south central entrance to Lafayette Park. • Visitor Experience and Access for the Public. A management and stewardship responsibilities for an distinctive feature of the White House that sets it apart extensive collection of artifacts and objects associated from the official residences of other heads of state is that with presidents and their residency at the White House. members of the public are provided opportunities to access The museum collection includes historic American and the building. The White House Grounds serves as the European furnishings and fine art and archives that setting for special events such as the White House Garden continue to grow with each administration. Through Tours and the White House Easter Egg Roll. President’s exhibits and displays at the White House Visitor Center, Park also provides the public with important recreational pieces from the museum collections are made accessible to opportunities as well as special events such as the National the public and provide unique interpretive opportunities to Lighting. The National Park Service plays a connect visitors to the presidency. key role in providing access, interpretation, education, and other visitor experiences for the public. • Views and Vistas. Views and vistas were among the most important features of the first plan of Washington, D.C., • First Amendment Access and Opportunities. The drawn by Pierre Charles L’Enfant in 1791. Situated on importance of the White House as a national symbol of our a high point within the city, the White House is a focal democracy becomes most evident as individuals and groups point on the principal north-south axis of L’Enfant’s plan. choose to associate themselves with this symbol, while Perhaps the most important view associated with the site exercising their First Amendment right to free speech. The is the long vista linking the White House, Washington National Park Service recognizes that First Amendment Monument, and Jefferson Memorial. The National Park activities are central to the symbolic nature of this location, Service has worked assiduously to maintain this iconic and provides for these activities while ensuring the corridor between these preeminent sites. The axial protection of cultural and natural resources at the site. relationship is clearly evident and remains one of the Traditionally, access and proximity to the White House have defining attributes for the entirety of Washington, D.C.’s, made and Lafayette Park on the north monumental core. Other significant vistas include views side of the White House the most appropriate place for north from the First Division Monument to the Eisenhower demonstrations. However, larger groups also gather on the Executive Office Building and south to E Street, the view south side, using the Ellipse as a staging area. from Sherman Park north to the Treasury Building, the view from north to the Second Division • Continually Making History. The White House and Memorial, and the view to and from the North President’s Park are exceptional historic sites because they across Lafayette Park and up 16th Street. represent an ongoing historical period that began in 1792 when George Washington selected to design • Symbol of Democracy. The White House is a symbol of the White House, and continues today. The White House the presidency, of a free democratic society, and through its is where the president holds meetings that decide national continuity, of the stability of our nation. As the preeminent and international policy and signs new legislation. The first symbol of a stable democracy in an ever-changing world, family has a profound influence on the trends of American the White House has come to represent democracy for all culture. American and foreign citizens, dignitaries, and the world’s citizens, and its occupants serve as the voice of cultural leaders are all among visitors to the White House; democratic ideals. The continuity of this image is reinforced each new day brings with it the possibility for the White by, and in great part derived from, the peaceful transfer of House and President’s Park to bear witness to defining power, from George Washington to the . moments of history on a national or world scale.

• Museum Collections. The museum collections and archives for the White House and President’s Park provide a tangible connection to the legacy of the presidency and the history of the White House. The National Park Service assists the of the Curator with the Other Important Resources and Values

The White House and President’s Park contain other resources and values that may not be fundamental to the purpose and significance of the park, but are important to consider in management and planning decisions. These are referred to as other important resources and values.

The White House and President’s Park has the following other important resources and values:

• Archeological Resources. The grounds in and around President’s Park and the White House contain rich archeological resources that are likely to yield important data and information about the history and development of the site and surrounding cityscape. Since the first cornerstone was laid in 1792 the White House and landscape have evolved over the years. Numerous archeological resources have been found and documented throughout President’s Park and the White House grounds. Archeological resources are witnesses to this evolution and provide a unique window into understanding the White House, its residents, and the surrounding growth of Washington, D.C.

• Other Distinctive Landscape Features. Because of its role as a national symbol, many landscape features, memorials, and monuments have been added to the site throughout its history that are not necessarily associated with its historic period of significance or the landscape originally envisioned by its designers. Many of these features, including the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion, have been constructed to serve visitor needs. Other memorials with historic significance that add to the overall character of the site include the Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain, the Bulfinch Gatehouses, the Original Patentees of the District of Columbia Memorial, and the Ellipse Meridian Stone. These monuments, memorials, and distinctive features further distinguish the landscape and in some cases serve as the anchors for annual commemorative events. Other features that are not directly contributing to the historic significance of the site include the Haupt Fountains, the Lafayette Park Lodge House, and the Bernard Baruch Bench of . Interpretive Themes

Interpretive themes are often described as the key stories The struggle to maintain privacy in this “fishbowl” is or concepts that visitors should understand after visiting intensified by the public’s fascination with the private lives a park—they define the most important ideas or concepts of presidential families, both past and present. The prospect communicated to visitors about a park unit. Themes of “looking through the keyholes” at life behind the public are derived from—and should reflect—park purpose, scene presents opportunities for glimpses of presidents and significance, resources, and values. The set of interpretive their families that reveal their personalities and characters. themes is complete when it provides the structure necessary Personal family touches—pictures, pets, etc.—heighten for park staff to develop opportunities for visitors to explore the connections to an interested public. For the informed and relate to all of the park significances and fundamental observer, evidence can be found throughout resources and values. and grounds that provide windows into the lives of past presidents and the use of the White House over time. The following interpretive themes originated from the Comprehensive Design Plan for the White House and 1a. The responses of presidents and first ladies to the President’s Park (2000), and were reorganized and expanded challenges of the presidency provide important lessons upon in the Long Range Interpretive Plan (2007). in their varying capabilities to handle their job.

1. The primary function of the White House is to be Almost immediately upon occupying the White House, the home of the president and the president’s family. presidents and first ladies often are viewed as heroes of the American culture. The so-called “honeymoon period” at the Owned by the American people, this world-class museum, outset of each new administration is evidence of America’s historic site, and public stage is, foremost, the home of the willingness to see a president succeed. Yet, only with a presidential family. Regarded and administered as a house historical perspective can an administration be judged as and not a , the White House represents the American successful or a president’s career as exceptional. ideal of “family” and “home”—a home in which normal family events take place: weddings, births, deaths, and Presidents and first ladies come from all walks of life. other family . Some were perceived as great leaders, both political and inspirational, long before ascending to the presidency. Others The White House has been the residence of every American were virtual unknowns who achieved greatness through president except George Washington, who chose its location their deeds while occupying the White House. Some failed to and supervised its construction. The privilege of occupying live up to the public’s expectations at that time, only to have the mansion is granted by the American people, and the history appraise their administrations as distinguished. routine succession of its inhabitants is a reaffirmation of the ideals of American democracy. The political climate and exigencies of the period can significantly influence the character of the presidency and the As the home of presidents, the White House must serve perceived greatness of a president. Would the needs of the presidential family, just as any American be exalted among American presidents if there had been no home serves its occupants. It must offer these active families Civil War to challenge him to monumental deeds? Would opportunities for privacy, protection, and recreation. This Lyndon Johnson’s program have placed him on is increasingly difficult in this very public house. The White the same level if there had not been the ordeal of House is the only official residence of a that the ? is regularly open to the public free of charge. Additionally, the White House must serve the president as the location for official and ceremonial functions, many of which convey national and international significance. The nation’s front yard is the president’s backyard. Interpretive Themes (cont.)

First ladies, too, have frequently risen from positions of From cooks to plumbers to U.S. Secret Service agents, a look unsung supporters of their husbands to positions of national behind the scenes at today’s White House illustrates the influence. The importance of the role of and her diversity of people and professions who come together to ability to make a significant national impact has grown make the site work. Permanent residence staff that continue slowly, with the reluctant acceptance by the American people from one administration to the next work closely with of women in public life. How many potentially great first special assistants who serve a particular president. Business ladies had to suppress their aspirations or remain hidden as usual at the White House may have its routine, but it is behind their husbands? Equally, how many potentially great never ordinary, for there is a mystique and a special pride to presidents were never given the opportunity because they working at the White House. That pride is evident whenever a were people of color or other minorities? member of the staff describes the manner in which they serve the president. The perception of greatness is a fluid balance between the realities of the daily challenges demanded by the job and 2. The White House is the seat of the executive branch the illusions generated by the aura of the presidency. This of government. perception is enhanced not only by the deeds of these famous men and women, but also by the very symbolism of the White From its inception, the White House has been the primary House itself. Presidents and first ladies have clearly used this office of the president, in addition to serving as his home and symbolism to further their personal and public aspirations, more recently as a museum. The power associated with the all the while hoping to leave a permanent legacy for the White House emanates from this function as the Executive American culture. Office of the President. This is the place where people come in direct contact with their highest elected representative. 1b. Many people from different backgrounds This is the platform from which the president communicates and cultures have been essential in the growth and with the world, using the powerful symbolism of the White operation of the White House as the home and office House to achieve desired behavior and actions. Simply of the president. hearing the words “” conjures up all the authority and power of the presidency. The story of the White House and President’s Park cannot be told without accounting for the many people behind the The evolution of location and size of the president’s office scenes that have made it all possible. Frequently, the impacts and executive support staff tells the story of the growth in and contributions of these people have been little understood the power of both the and its chief executive. by the American public. Significant in this story is the development of the and the Oval Office. Also figuring prominently are the Few people realize that the original laborers and stonecutters immediately adjacent Eisenhower Executive Office Building constructing the White House were African American and the Treasury Building, as well as their predecessors, the slaves hired from their masters. Many other cultures were original State, Treasury, War, and Navy buildings. Together represented at the construction site; most of the crews were these buildings concentrated and defined the power of the composed of emigrant skilled workers and indentured president. Today, proximity to the White House is perceived laborers. As an example of this cultural diversity, the planner as an expression of executive authority. of the federal city was French, the designer of the President’s House was Irish, and the stonemasons were Scottish. Within the White House complex many different government agencies and public institutions must co-exist to serve the president and the public, while preserving the integrity of the White House. Most visible among these is the role played by the news organizations in keeping the connections open between the public and the president. The White House roles as office and home are most clearly Although the White House and President’s Park continue to integrated during the many official functions held on the evolve to meet the changing needs of the president, efforts site. Receiving and entertaining guests at the White House are made to maintain the symbolic stability of the site by serves as one of the president’s most powerful tools in perpetuating its architectural and landscape integrity. This communicating with the world. integrity provides ever-present evidence of the continuity of our ideals and the enduring opportunity for all people to In addition to serving as the office of the president, the White reach out to their leaders. House serves as the office of the first lady. The development of this function, from a primarily social function to one of 3. The White House is a mirror and magnifier administrative importance, chronicles the growth in the of the nation’s cultural, recreational, political, public influence of the first lady. and topical history.

2a. The White House is a symbol of the presidency, of Throughout its history, the White House has reflected, a free democratic society, and through its continuity, of enhanced, and influenced the nation’s events and phenomena the stability of our nation. in a variety of subject areas.

As the preeminent symbol of a stable democracy in an ever- The people of the world look to the White House for changing world, the White House has come to represent expressions of our collective American cultural identity. democracy for all the world’s citizens, and its occupants serve Presidents throughout the years have attempted to represent as the voice of democratic ideals. The continuity of and showcase the many cultures that make up American this image is reinforced by, and in great part derived from, the society. This cultural diversity is represented in historical and peaceful transfer of power, from George Washington present-day expressions of the arts, crafts, entertainment, to the present. and foods of the United States and the world.

As the embodiment of our nation’s point of view, the White As the premiere American family, the lifestyles of the House is the world’s focal point for people to express presidential family exert a great influence on the trends of their views. The story of First Amendment expressions at American culture. The foods, music, and entertainment at the White House is a narrative of our nation’s changing White House dinners, both public and private, hold a great perspectives and the diversity of opinions held by its citizens. fascination for the public and are extensively reported in the Here individuals learn that through the legal process of news media. Fashions worn at the White House reveal the petitioning the government they have the power to make a nation’s social and economic climate and are widely imitated difference. Many also learn that there are costs and rewards for popular use. Foods eaten or not eaten by the president can for taking an unpopular stand. influence the tastes of people nationwide. Thomas Jefferson’s White House macaroni dinners, ’s penchant President’s Park provides a critical role in the right of for jelly beans, George Bush’s dislike for broccoli—each has peaceful protest and petition before the White House. People had its influence on the populace. The dining feel safe and protected as they speak their views at this site. habits of the presidential family can confirm trends, such as This right is carefully preserved, along with public access the recent shift to healthier cuisines or the past elimination of to the White House, and is symbolic of our commitment to alcoholic beverages. Equally, the recreational pursuits democracy. Free public access to the White House has been of the president confirm and set trends in American a unique privilege since 1801, a privilege not accorded in leisure activities. other countries. Venerated as an icon of the American way of life, the White House has taken on a nearly sacred status in the American psyche. Events of great consequence—both sad and joyful— spontaneously draw large numbers of people to the White House to share in a collective experience. Interpretive Themes (cont.)

3a. The White House is an example of the of history—through its architecture, stories, decorative, and fine arts.

The White House is an extraordinary living museum whose collections of rare and fine art, furnishings, and objects, many of which are associated with presidents and their families, make it possible for people to come into direct physical and emotional contact with our nation’s history.

The White House has served as a showcase for the best of America, beginning with an exhibition by Thomas Jefferson of objects collected on the Lewis and Clark expedition. 4. President’s Park, as a primary element of the Today the White House contains one of the best decorative nation’s capital city, serves as a stage for active and fine arts collections in the United States. The careful participation in the democratic process, and is linked observer can detect the changes in values and attitudes of by Pennsylvania Avenue—America’s main street—to the different presidential families through the changes in the use legislative and judicial processes on . of artifacts and decorations. The significance of the White House and President’s Park But what makes the White House truly extraordinary is that can be more fully appreciated and understood when viewed it is the only museum in the world in which history is made in the context of its cultural landscape. Based firmly on daily. It is this aspect that makes a visit to the state rooms 19th century landscape concepts, the physical relationships so exceptional; the rooms in which visitors stand during embodied in the design and layout of the District of morning tours are the same rooms where history-making Columbia illustrate the foundation of the American form of events may take place later in the day. democracy—the divisions and connections of power between the three branches of government. The evolution of plans Echoes of the personalities that shaped our history—their for the federal city, from its original design by Pierre Charles aspirations and political beliefs—and the events that took L’Enfant to its present configuration, represent the ongoing place here can still be found throughout the White House. evolution of government and philosophically differing points ’s prayer carved on the mantel of the State of view regarding the separation of powers. Throughout Dining Room is an obvious example. Many older visitors to the development of the federal city, the White House has the Diplomatic Reception Room can still hear Franklin D. remained a pivotal element of the L’Enfant plan. The open Roosevelt addressing the nation during his . spaces of President’s Park serve as the focal point of the The magic of rolling Easter eggs on the White House lawn is hopes, moods, and concerns of the local community, the probably much the same today as it was for the first egg rollers nation, and the international community. These spaces also in 1879. serve as oases for local residents and visitors seeking quiet and recreation in an urban setting, perceptibly enhanced If the White House is a capsulated version of American by its proximity to this greatest of American . Special history, then the stories of the men and women who have events and First Amendment activities all take on a greater produced this institution are the stories of America itself. relevancy and sense of excitement in the shadow of the Many were powerful and well-known. Others have labored in White House. obscurity, performing essential tasks. Through the discovery of their stories and the legacy of their material culture, we As the District of Columbia has grown around it, the discover ourselves. continuity of the President’s Park landscape, its relationship with the other federal , and its continued public access symbolize the stability of our government, the growth in prestige of the office of presidency, and the long of all peoples of the country. 4a. The stability of the design and architecture of The White House has reflected the personality of each the White House and President’s Park is a product of presidential family, mirroring their style of public and private continuing attempts at adaptation to changing needs life, as well as their political sensibilities. Yet through all and technology. this the White House has remained remarkably stable in appearance. Great care has been taken to maintain its historic Originally a product of 18th century design, the White House image, each president respecting the historical associations and President’s Park exhibit over two centuries of borrowed of the mansion. As a result, the White House has retained its traditions and American ideals. Employing European models, traditional appearance, much of its furnishings and decor, the original planners and designers—George Washington, and even many of the memorabilia of its occupants. A stable Pierre Charles L’Enfant, and James Hoban—created a White House is a symbol for a stable nation. This symbolism distinctly American mansion that reflected the mentality is, perhaps, no better illustrated than President Madison’s of its builders, as well as that of the nation at that time. The decision to rebuild the mansion in nearly its exact form after resulting building is still thought to be one of the finest its burning in 1814. examples of American architecture and craftsmanship. The landscape of President’s Park has undergone substantive Even though the house and grounds were designed to serve modifications, yet it too has remained virtually the same all foreseeable needs of the presidency, it was not long before since the late 19th century. The other two major buildings of modifications were introduced to address the needs and President’s Park, the Treasury Building and the Eisenhower attitudes of its changing occupants. These are dramatically Executive Office Building, illustrate the changing fashion of illustrated by the work of Thomas Jefferson, whose building American architecture and the growing power of the U.S. additions and landscape alterations created a more functional government. Many of the changes in the park landscape and “republican” estate. Over time, greenhouses have been reflect the evolution of public use and conceptions of built and removed, wings have been added and modified, open spaces, and the perspectives of the American people. gardens and recreation spaces have evolved according to Memorials throughout President’s Park evidence the nature the vision of the presidential family. Presidents continue to of U.S. heroes. Lawns that once supported Union troops are affect the landscape of the White House grounds through now the scene for impromptu ball games. These same spaces the planting of commemorative trees. Many technological must also serve as stages for presidential ceremonies, First improvements have been added. Each change has built Amendment demonstrations, and special events. Stability upon the legacy of the past and has helped ensure a livable, through flexibility is the keynote of President’s Park and the workable complex capable of meeting the needs of the White House. president and the agencies that serve and protect him. Most of the modern changes to the White House complex have occurred in the wings and and are not readily visible to the public. To National To National To Gandhi, Shevchenko, Mary McLeod Bethune To African American To Carter G. Woodson Home Y and Masaryk statues National Park Service Visitor Services Tourmobile Metrorail System W Zoological Park and Zoological Council House Civil War Memorial National Historic Site K (temporarily closed) P Park National Historic Site

Narrated shuttle tour Information Restrooms Station name Metro lines C N STREET John Witherspoon Webster Scott Samuel Hahnemann Memorial N STREET between sites METRO Red line A Memorial CENTER M Refreshment Ice skating rink O Orange line T stand S Tourmobile stop O Entrance/exit P Blue line Souvenir shop Tennis court Tourmobile route to Metro station D AVENUE Green line N A

7th STREET 6th STREET Yellow line 9th STREET K AVENUE 11th STREET Bookstore Golf course Statue or 12th STREET 10th STREET E AVENUE E monument R k Longfellow C e K e M STREET Nuns of the Battlefield Thomas M STREET Help keep the National Mall clean; place trash in receptacles. AVENUE C r O C R Old Stone House National National SQUARE–7th STREET–

M STREET M STREET CONVENTION CENTER Geographic Geographic k Society AVENUE c Museum 1 GEORGETOWN PENNSYLVANIA AVENUEo CHESAPEAKE AND STREET 23rd Francis Georgetown Visitor Center R 25th STREET OHIO CANAL NATIONAL Scott Key Chesapeake and Ohio Canal HISTORICAL PARK Memorial National Historical Park (Boat rides) AVENUE Douglas L STREET AVENUE 15th STREET 16th STREET Chesapeake 14th STREET Burke and Oh Gompers W io Canal L STREET H ST 33rd 10–minut 395 0 0.1 0.2 Kilometer IT 17th STREET e brisk EH walk fr AVENUE L STREET UR om W ST ash Washington 50 F 31st STREET 29th STREET ing Greyhound 0 0.1 0.2 Mile REE FARRAGUT ton 29 Convention WA M Bus Station Y NORTH onu Center North Descriptionme THOMAS JEFFERSON ST nt

30th STREET GEORGETOWN 29 Washington Historical Society WATERFRONT PARK K STREET K STREET 29 K STREET K STREET PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE of Washington, D.C.

FARRAGUT FRANKLIN McPHERSON MOUNT VERNON Farragut McPherson Barry PARKING SQUARE SQUARE SQUARE SQUARE McPHERSON Designed in the style of a classic Georgian manor house, the 5th STREET Bicycle and 4th STREET SQUARE Footbridge – I WhiteSTREET House suffered fire damage in 1814 during the War of I STREET GWU FARRAGUT WEST I STREET MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE Thompson Boat Center

G PARK EORGE Department WASHING Boat and bicycle rentals R I STREET TO O 1812 and was rebuilt in 1817. After years of use, adaptation, N St. John’s Church of Veterans M C George Washington FRANCIS ESCOTTM KEY MEMORIAL BRIDGE K Affairs H STREET H STREET University Hospital EDWARD R. OR C H STREET Von Steuben Kosciuszko IA R and expansion the White House went throughCHINATOWN significant Government E 66 MURROW L G U.S. Court of National Museum 2nd STREET E P GEORGE Friendship Printing Office A E K PARK LAFAYETTE Appeals and of Women in the Arts H STREET R New Executive Archway O restoration and structural stabilization during the HIG K A Baruch Bench GPO Bookstore LEE HWAY W WASHINGTON H STREET Office Building U.S. Court N Jackson A R 1 1 G STREET 29 Y D UNIVERSITY PARK of Claims NEW YORK AVENUE 50 50 General Renwick G P administration (1945–1953). As the nation grew, so too haveAccounting National O Martin Gallery Rochambeau Treasury Annex Victims of 66 E T Lafayette Luther King, Jr., GALLERY PLACE– Office Postal O Juarez Blair-Lee House Communism M CHINATOWN Museum Bicycle and T the White HouseMemorial andLibrary President’s Park, along with their G ST Memorial A 11th STREET Union Station Footbridge O C G STREET Eisenhower Executive Department G STREET Verizon G STREET

THEODORE P Office Building of the Treasury significant role in shaping both the nation’s capital as well UNION

A American Art Museum Center W 24th STREET National Building

E STATION R V 23rd STREET 23rd 21st STREET 22nd STREET 19th STREET 18th STREET National Portrait Gallery

ROOSEVELT K Museum S I Madame Thurgood R W METROas our national consciousness.(Old Patent Office) (Old Pension Building) F STREET N

D Tussauds A Marshall MEMORIAL CENTER American Legion

R Y F STREET F STREET PARKING Freedom Bell Judicial E

White House

Y International National Law General THE Visitor Center Christopher Columbus Building

M East Executive Park Spy Museum Enforcement AVENUE The House Where Ford’s Theatre Memorial Fountain COLUMBUS T Services As a key element of the L’Enfant Plan, President’s Park R WHITE 15th STREET 13th STREET Officers Memorial Administration Octagon 17th STREET Lincoln Died National Historic Site National MASSACHUSETTSCIRCLE AVENUE O

JUDICIARY F PERSHING PENNSYLVANIA AVE NORTH Museum of E STREET JUDICIARY E STREET T Corcoran HOUSE SQUARE PARK E E STREET NEW YORK AVE First Division FREEDOM not only provides the setting for the WhiteCrime & House but also E Sherman JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER SQUARE Gallery Federal T Pulaski R Monument District of

E PLAZA Punishment T Footbridge Rawlins Rush of Art Pershing Bureau of 9th ST E Galvez S Columbia ROSSLYN FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS functions as an important public space within Washington, R L D.C. Court

E Butt-Millet PENNSYLVANIA AVE SOUTH Investigation T E STREET Government R Darlington S 2nd STREET 1st STREET 8th STREET PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NATIONAL HISTORIC7th STREET SITE C Memorial I THEODORE Navy Bureau O San Martin American (F.B.I) Fountain N Pavilion S 6th STREET Lincoln National Japanese O U.S. Navy T of Medicine District D.C. D.C. President’s Park includes LafayetteD STREET Park, the Ellipse and D STREET N Office of Department H National Building American Memorial

M Y National Building Visitor Memorial and Pike L ROOSEVELT and Surgery Personnel of the Interior T Red Cross Christmas Franklin to Patriotism A Discobolos Center Naval Heritage Department of State Management Museum D STREET its sideOld panels,Post the First Division Monument,ARCHIVES– and AVESherman WI L Tree Municipal Department LSO ISLAND Diplomatic Reception Boy Scout Center NAVY MEMORIAL– N N Constitution Daughters of Ronald Reagan Office Tower D.C. Court Center of Labor B E Memorial PENN QUARTER O Rooms the American FEDERAL Sewell- U Hall ELLIPSE National Building and Park. Many national monuments and Temperancememorials Fountain are also UNION N Hancock L TRIANGLE Belmont E C STREET Revolution Aquarium International AVENUE V Franklin D. Roosevelt C STREET A U.S. Bolivar House E National C STREET Original Trade Center Stone STATION Hart R Institute American Department found throughout the park, illustrating the significantNewseum role Marshall Russell Dirksen D Academy Organization Patentees Internal Grand Army Senate National R L Department of Peace Pharmaceutical Federal of Commerce Canadian U.S. District Senate Senate ROSSLYN of Science of the Interior of American Revenue Department of the Republic PLAZA Office Historic AVENUE (under National I Institute Reserve Second Division of President’s Park as a symbolic locationMemorial on the urbanEmbassy Court Office Office Site construction) and South Organization States Bulfinch Service of Justice JOHN Robert A. Taft Building V Board Memorial Archives Building Building Engineering of American Gatehouse Federal STREET 3rd Memorial

22nd MARSHALL 12th STREET

10th STREET Hale 20th STREET E OH States Annex Haupt Fountains landscape of the nation’s capital. President’sTrade Park sits next to IO 50 Einstein CONSTITUTION AVENUE Artigas 1 Mellon PARK Blackstone Veterans of D CONSTITUTION AVENUE 50 Commission CONSTITUTION AVENUE R R Fountain IV Lock Meade Foreign Wars E S the National Mall and is visually connected to the Jefferson

Keeper’s P S German-American of the U.S. MEMORIAL BRIDGE A

House National Museum National National 1st STREET O R The 56 Signers of the Friendship Garden National Museum ARLINGT N K Sculpture West Building 50 ULE W Declaration of Independence of American HistoryMemorial,of Naturalthe Washington History Monument, and the United Gallery of Art V A 17th ST A 66 Y Garden East Building PENNSYLVANIA AVE U.S. CAPITOL RD D Vietnam Veterans Memorial R IV Memorial E CONSTITUTION States Capitol. Because of its prominent location, President’s4th STREET Arts of S S S U.S. Peace Vietnam MADISON DRIVE MADISON DRIVE Henry BaconThree Dr Women’s GARDENS Park functions as the site of numerous public events and Peace SUPREME Servicemen Memorial Washington National Monument S Grange U.S. Marine Corps Marker Monument COURT LINCOLN tickets gatherings, such as the National Christmas Tree lighting.Plaque Ulysses S. Entrances to War Memorial World War II WASHINGTON Memorial REFLECTING POOL 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is arguably the most famous underground (Iwo Jima Memorial) MEMORIAL Memorial THE MALL CAPITOL MONUMENT SMITHSONIAN U.S. Capitol Folger address in the United States, and the White House one of the Henry INSTITUTION Hirshhorn REFLECTING Visitor Center Shakespeare 14th STREET 15th STREET The White House and President’s Park serve as a private S Sculpture POOL Library Daniel French Dr NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS Garden Garfield Arts of most recognized residences in the world. Every president residence, the executive office of the president, a military JEFFERSON DRIVE Thomas War S Smithsonian Jefferson S S JEFFERSON DRIVE S John ive S Visitor Information except GeorgeDr Washington has called the White House SMITHSONIAN Building Adams t installation,S. Dillon a Ripleymuseum,Arts aand public park, and a national shrine. AVE n John Paul Jones Center Hirshhorn National Air and National U.S. ro 1 Department of Freer Industries Building Veterans F Park Haupt Garden Space Museum Museum of the Memorial Sylvan Museum National Botanic Memorial home ande has run the executive branch of the United StatesAgriculture GivenGallery these multipleBuilding roles and functions, it is not surprising American Indian T Ranger m Theater Garden Garden LIBRARY OF

23rd STREET 23rd (temporarily E of Art o E Station CONGRESS H closed) R D.C. War Memorial Government from within its walls. Because of U.S.D.A.this functional that numerousArthur M. federalNational agenciesMuseum work inINDEPENDENCE collaboration AVENUE to INDEPENDENCE AVENUE ST Forest E Netherlands ARLINGTON MEMORIAL BRIDGE Sackler Gallery of African Art D John Ericsson role, the White House and surrounding President’sService Park Federal Bartholdi A Carillon Memorial INDEPENDENCE AVENUE KUTZ BRIDGE administer Departmentand manage the White House and President’s Voice of Rayburn Longworth Cannon James E Museum Fountain of Energy Aviation Department House House House Madison M Administration America of Health MARSHALL DRIVE are a focal point on the landscape of the nation’sU.S. Holocaustcapital. Park. The Executive Office of the President, ExecutiveDepartment of Studio WASHINGTON AVENUE Office Office Office Memorial WEST Japanese Lantern and Ja C STREET MARYLAND AVENUE and Human First Cherry Tree Planting pa Memorial Museum Education Building Building Building Building n PLACE e Services Martin Luther s RAOUL

For over 200 years, the Whitee House and President’s Park 12th STREET POTOMAC PARK C STREET Residence at the White House, U.S. Secret Service,C STREET and C STREET King, Jr., Memorial C WALLENBERG Bureau 110 h (under construction) e r Parking Lot of Engraving Food and Drug r S have grown both physicallyy and symbolically, representing General Services Administration, are among the agencies CAPITOL SOUTH and Printing L’ENFANT T 6th STREET Administration TIDAL r PLAZA Seabees e FEDERAL e D STREET P WEST BASIN DRIVE (under construction) of the both the democracy and the s resiliency of the United States m with whom the National Park Service works to ensure both CENTER SW

ro U.S. Navy D STREET f t D STREET D STREET Memorial BASIN lk n a NEW JERSEY AVENUE G O of America. Tidal Basin w e the preservation and use of one of the most recognized E m Ford House FOLGER O ay FRANKLIN DELANO Paddle Boats sk u 14th STREET i n United Spanish War R S w br o 101st Army G e- Office Building PARK Veterans Memorial n te M Department Department of Airborne E o ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL u n houses in the world. Admiral W T in o Division LADY BIRD –m gt U.S. L’ENFANT of Housing Transportation Richard Byrd D A When George Washington and Pierre L’Enfant laid out5 in 395 ARLINGTON S h Postal PLAZA and Urban Memorial Memorial H as t William Howard I I Ja W CEMETERY S N p Service Development n AVENUE Fourth JOHNSON G O e Taft Grave T T a THOMAS Infantry R O President’sn Park in 1791, they envisioned it as the setting m American N e E STREET E STREET s u

Division I 2nd STREET MEMORIALArmored AVENUE C PARK M e JEFFERSON Outlet n Memorial AVENUE PROMENADE L’ENFANT o T E C Bridge Force M M for the White House and the centerpiece of the new capital. V h Japanese M Memorial I O O e MEMORIAL R R Pagoda r n F I r o Arlington A y t Women in Military G L C Covering 82 acres from H Street to Constitution Avenue g 395 P A T National Cemetery I 7th STREET n Service for America N O A r i S R e h Memorial Visitors Center I L K e BENJAMIN s PARKING A W s U between 15th and 17th Streets, the site was the first parcel a Pierre A C BANNEKER W M Y First Air Mail Flight Charles John F. E m GARFIELD B V PARK o L’Enfant Kennedy acquired for the federal city and is still listedI as “Reservation r R f G STREET IA PARK Grave Grave D k National Mall and l N a S Number 1” Inletin the land records of the DistrictI of Columbia. w R S Memorial Parks Bridge A k B Headquarters CASE BRIDGEW is Arlington House, T r AS b The Robert E. Lee Memorial White House constructionS began onE October 13, 1792, with A e I o t To Frederick Douglass ne-w S u Civil War ay H in National Historic Site Unknowns V John and its first residents in 1800. I –m 4th STREET STREET 3rd and Anacostia George Mason 10 Monument Memorial N Community Museum E G via Anacostia Bridge T I STREET ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY R O 27 N

LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON PARKING C B Cuban H PARKING Friendship EAST POTOMAC K STREET Footbridge O PARKING OHIO DRIVE A C MEMORIAL GROVE Urn PARKING TENNIS CENTER H U N 1st STREET A N Bus N Half Street Half Street B D turn E WATER STREET O N around L L STREET U A National Capital Maine N N OHIO DRIVE EAST D Region Lobstermen A COLUMBIA R E R Headquarters Memorial Y ISLAND Third Infantry Division Monument Y POTOMAC PARK D L BUCKEYE DRIVE R MARINA WATERFRONT–SEU M STREET NAVY YARD Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial I Navy and Marine Memorial V Metro bridge E To Hains Point and Memorial Amphitheater BRIDGE ROCHAMBEAU MEMORIAL BRIDGE U.S. Park Police Substation PARKING GOLF COURSE S Tomb of the Railroad bridge 395 DELAWARE AVENUE To Mount Vernon (14th STREET BRIDGES) To Titanic Memorial To Nationals Park Unknowns ARLAND D. WILLIAMS, JR,30–minute MEMORIAL BRIDGE brisk walk/Two miles between and U.S. Capitol