COMPLIMENTARY $2.95 2017/2018 YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS & MEMORIAL PARKS

ACTIVITIES • SIGHTSEEING • DINING • LODGING TRAILS • HISTORY • MAPS • MORE

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Welcome to our nation’s capital, Wash- return trips for you and your family. Save it ington, District of Columbia! as a memento or pass it along to friends. Zion National Park Washington, D.C., is rich in culture and The , along with is the result of erosion, history and, with so many sites to see, Eastern National, the Trust for the National sedimentary uplift, and there are countless ways to experience Mall and Guest Services, work together this special place. As with all American to provide the best experience possible Stephanie Shinmachi. Park Network editions, this guide to the for visitors to the National Mall & Me- 8 ⅞ National Mall & Memorial Parks provides morial Parks. information to make your visit more fun, memorable, safe and educational. This WHAT’S INSIDE 8 ⅜ guide outlines the forces—and figures— This American Park Network guide is di- that helped forge our nation, leaving guests vided into two sections. The first provides with a greater understanding of and appre- highlights of all attractions comprising the 7 ⅜ ciation for our country’s trials, tribulations National Mall & Memorial Parks. The second and accomplishments. provides information on other attractions 5 ⅞ Beyond the Mall. Please know that this DURING YOUR VISIT guide has been made possible by the gen- 5 ⅜ Please keep this personal tour guide erous support of the sponsors whose mes- NPF with you as you make your way around sages appear inside. the area. We hope it becomes well- Whether you are here for a few hours 4 ¾ used and dog-eared during your visit to or for days, let this guide bring you nearer Washington, D.C., and stimulates many to the heart of Washington, D.C.

FAST FACTS AD The National Mall & Memorial Parks high- than 3,700 trees reach light and memorialize some of the most their peak, enhancing the already stunning important events and icons in American his- beauty of D.C. tory. Rich in the foundations of our nation, Within close proximity to the National downtown Washington, D.C., pays homage Mall lies the to the brave souls who contributed to our National Museums of Natural History, country’s evolution. American History and Air and Space, Smith- Popular Activities: To fully appreciate the sonian Institution National Museum of Afri- historical significance of monuments in the can American History and Culture, as well mall, take a tour! Walking tours, bike tours as other great attractions. and interpretive programs are ranger-led and Established in 1965, the National Mall at- leave from various points. tracts an average of 24 million visitors from In late March to early April, the city plays around the world each year. host to the National Cherry Blossom Fes- There is no cost to visit any of the sites in Join the community at tival. Throughout the Mall, witness more the National Mall or Memorial Parks. nationalparks.org

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American Park Network® publishes Plan Your Visit 8 OhRanger.com, Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™ and Oh, Ranger!® guides —a collection of visitor guides for public lands all across America. Who’s Who at the Park 12 American Park Network is an official partner of the National Forest Foundation, National Parks NATIONAL MALL Conservation Association, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Hiking Society and the Student Conservation Association. 13 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Memorial 15 MARK J. SAFERSTEIN Korean War Veterans Memorial 18 Associate Publisher & Executive Editor Savings can take you to sights. Joel S. Saferstein Memorial 20 Savings can take you to amazing sights. Group Sales & Partnerships Director amazing Alex Frenkel Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial 23 EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Managing Editor: Kate Morgan Thomas 25 Editors: Nell Alk, Monette A. Bailey, Scott Deckman, Cinnamon Janzer, Julie McCool, Vietnam Veterans Memorial 28 Renee Sklarew, Andy M. Smith Proofreader: Shannon Kronstadt Graphic Designers: Mario Arce, Dennisse Cruz, Centerfold Map Mike Dion, Yamileth Recinos, Tatiana Hurtado DIGITAL 31 Technology Managers: Scott Falconer, Josh Eckstein World War II Memorial 34 ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING (212) 581-3380 BEYOND THE MALL [email protected] Business Development: Sharon Burson, Randy Burton, Mary Pat Kaleth, Pat Keane, Arlington House 36 Craig King, Kristi Rummel Operations Manager: Matthew Price Ford’s Theatre & 40

American Park Network 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10003 Frederick Douglass NHS 43 @OhRanger Memorial 45 ©2017 APN MEDIA, LLC · All Rights Reserved 46 Oh, Ranger! and American Park Network are registered trademarks of APN Media, LLC. Cherry Blossom Festival 50

Photography 52 geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Oce Just for Kids 54 geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Oce The publisher of this guide and the advertisers herein are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the National Park Service. If You Only Have a Day 56

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. FOR MORE INFORMATION GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; Distribution requests Cover: Vietnam Memorial and Washington Some discounts, coverages, paymenta Berkshire plans Hathaway and features Inc. subsidiary. are not available © 2017 in GEICO all states or all GEICO companies. [email protected] Monument Pgiam/iStock GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2017 GEICO 5 [email protected] WHAT’S NEW!

There is nothing so American as our national parks. – Franklin Delano Roosevelt ®

Access to parks is one of the things that’s truly great about life in America. Not just na- tional parks, like FDR stated, but all parks. Parks Mark, Joel & Alex – Support parks, stay healthy! afford everyone, regardless of race, income, social status or age, the opportunity to escape Take a deep breath in a park and you’ll immedi- the concrete jungle and step into the wild. It ately know the value of greenspace. doesn’t matter whether it’s a small step into a Health & Wellness Studies show a high local park or a giant leap into the backcountry. correlation between time spent in parks and The effect is the same. Time in nature feels improved health (and, in my view, happiness). good. Other values that parks bring may be You move more when you’re outside, which de- less obvious. Since we take care of the things creases stress, makes you more fit and reduces we value, I’d like to highlight a few other ben- the risk of many health issues, such as diabetes, efits we all receive from public lands: high blood pressure and heart disease. Exercise Economic Impact America’s federal, state (which parks inspire) also positively impacts your and local parks and public lands generate $200 cholesterol levels. A few years ago, I started bi- billion in annual economic activity and support cycling to work every day. A year later, my over- more than one million jobs! You might help a all cholesterol went down while my HDL—the dozen businesses during a weekend hiking trip. “good” cholesterol—went up. The results of Imagine the impact of a week-long national park a small change in your exercise routine can be adventure. Parks raise property values, too! amazing! Parks invite this change. Conservation Trees produce the oxygen The value of parks is undeniable, so follow we need to survive, but did you know that FDR’s lead and support our public lands. It’s they also help save money? It’s estimated that the all-American thing to do. (Congress, take trees in cities save $400 billion in costs to re- note!) You’ll save the country money while im- tain stormwater. A single tree can store 100 proving our nation’s health—and your own, too. gallons or more, which helps keep streets from Not a bad combination! flooding and reduces the need for artificial stor- age facilities. A tree can also absorb as much as three tons of carbon gas during its lifetime. [email protected] Five national parks GET CONNECTED AT YOUR FAVORITE PARKS! One iconic American road trip VisitUtah.com/itineraries Parks are about enjoying nature, but what if you want to share a great picture or are awaiting an important email? If you’re looking to add connectivity to your park, or if you already have Wi-Fi and would like help adding content or generating sponsor revenues, please let us know at [email protected]. ®

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Client: UOT Publication: American Park Network Magazine Job #: 16-UOT-1731 Road To Mighty Issue: Due to Vendor 4/7 File: 16-UOT-1731 RTM_Brothers_AmericanPark_170407.pdf Bleed: 5.875” w x 8.875” h File Created: 03/27/2017 Trim: 5.375” w x 8.375” h Agency Contact: Robyn Reynolds Live: 4.75” w x 7.375” h Phone: 801-531-0122 Colors: 4C Email: [email protected] PLAN YOUR VISIT

With so many sights to visit, a trip to national settings—places where our nation’s the National Mall & Memorial Parks only citizens continue to exercise their right to gets better the more you learn about their freedom of expression. , history and purpose. TWO CENTURIES OF EVOLUTION HISTORY The creation and historical development of The National Mall’s origins are as old as the National Mall and surrounding areas has the itself. The open space and evolved in fits and starts over two centuries. parklands—envisioned by architect Pierre In 1791, Pierre L’Enfant first conceived of the L’Enfant and commissioned by George Mall as a grand, open promenade; however, Washington—have created a dignified yet it took until 1902, when the McMillan Com- accessible backdrop for national expres- mission officially presented its plan, to make sions of remembrance, observance and L’Enfant’s vision a reality. Until then, the Na- demonstration. tional Mall was comprised of many separate individual parks and grounds. CREATION OF THE NATIONAL MALL In fact, the development of National The history and culture associated with the Capital Parks may be divided into five ma- National Mall, the Washington Monument jor milestones: The L’Enfant Plan of 1791, grounds and parallel the Andrew Jackson Downing Plan of the ongoing saga of American history itself. 1851, the McMillan Commission Plan of These three national park locations provide 1901–02, the acquisition by the National the setting for four major presidential memo- Park Service in 1933 and the Mall Master rials—the Washington Monument, Lincoln Plan of 1966. Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Throughout the 19th century, plans kept and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memo- deviating from L’Enfant’s original vision for the rial—and three veterans memorials—the city’s Federal Central Enclave. The one signifi- Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War cant development that did remain intact was II Memorial and Korean War Veterans Me- the building and completion of the Washing- morial. In a very real sense, the National Mall ton Monument. The Andrew Jackson Down- symbolizes many elements of our ever-thriv- ing Plan of 1851 brought more changes to the ing democracy. unified formality of the L’Enfant Plan in terms Along with the White House grounds, of- of landscape architecture. ficially known as President’s Park, and the U.S. Capitol Building grounds, the park’s THE MCMILLAN COMMISSION Pre-Collision1 with Pedestrian 2 memorials continue to serve as noteworthy The McMillan Plan, initiated in 1902, ac- Detection standard. tually represents the first effort at compre- Pedestrians can come out of nowhere. So Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection can help spot them and brake WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE hensive urban planning for a major city. The for you. It’s just one of the standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P)3 features that give you more peace of mind. NATIONAL MALL EXPERIENCE? McMillan Commission consisted of a num- Options shown. Dramatization. 1. The TSS Pre-Collision System is designed to help avoid or reduce the crash speed and damage in certain frontal collisions only. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness is ber of renowned classical-style architects dependent on road, weather and vehicle conditions. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. 2. The Pedestrian Detection system is designed to detect a pedestrian ahead of the vehicle, determine if impact is imminent FOLLOW US! and help reduce impact speed. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as speed, size and position of pedestrians, and weather, light and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. 3. Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. Depending on the conditions of roads, weather and the vehicle, the system(s) and landscape architects to execute their may not work as intended. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. ©2017 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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S A ATCHI & S A ATCHI LOS ANGELES • 3501 SEPULVEDA BLVD . • TORRANCE, CA • 90505 • 310 - 214 - 6000 SIZE: Bleed: 5-7/8" x 8-7/8" Trim: 5-3/8" x 8-3/8" Live: 4-3/4" x 7-3/8" Mechanical is 100% of final BY DATE W/C DATE BY DATE W/C DATE No. of Colors: 4C Type prints: Gutter: LS: Output is 100% of final Project Manager Diversity Review Panel Print Producer Assist. Account Executive CLIENT: TMS Advertising EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTORS: F. Costa Studio Manager Account Executive JOB TITLE: MY17 Prius Print — Cellphone CREATIVE DIRECTOR: R. Braga Production Director Account Supervisor PRODUCT CODE: 120311- PRI ASSC. CREATIVE DIRECTORS: Art Buyer Management Director AD UNIT: 4CPB COPYWRITER: D. Sorgan Proofreading CLIENT Art Director TRACKING NO: 04652 PE ART DIRECTOR: L. Borges Ad Mgr./Administrator •Chief Creative Officer PRODUCTION DATE: March 2017 PRINT PRODUCER: R. Dallas-Noble Ph: 310.214.6233 National Ad Mgr. •Exec. Creative Director MECHANICAL NUMBER: ______STUDIO ARTIST: V. Lee Ph: 310.214.6224 VOG •Creative Director SHOT NO: PRS_MY17_0174_V001 •Assc. Creative Director Corp. Mgr., Mkt. Comm. V.P. Marketing Copywriter •Assc. Creative Director Legal/Product PROOF NUMBER ––––––––––––– SPECIAL INFO: Bill to B1194-006516-00 Product TMS Diversity Binder

109184 Saatchi & Saatchi Oris EG M9184_04652PE_Prius_Cellphone_5375x8375 05/03/17 PMSxxxx PMSxxxx PMSxxxx PMSxxxx 2:56 PM PLAN YOUR VISIT PLAN YOUR VISIT talent: Daniel H. Burnham, Frederick Parkway provide access from the north. Bicycle rentals are available from Thomp- the 140 bike stations throughout D.C., Law Olmsted Jr., Augustus Saint-Gaud- Interstate 66 and Routes 50 and 29 pro- son Boat Center, located at , and Arlington, Virginia. ens and Charles Follen McKim. These vide access from the west. Routes 50, 1 and Rock Creek Parkway, a short distance commissioners traveled to numerous Eu- and 4 provide access from the east. north of the along the Po- KIDS ropean cities for on the original Parking: There is limited accessible tomac River Rock Creek Trail. For more Junior Ranger booklets enable children and ideas and conceptions of L’Enfant’s Plan. parking at all memorials; parking is ex- information, call (202) 333-9543 or visit their parents to embark on a self-guided tour Upon returning to the United States, they tremely scarce in Washington, D.C. By thompsonboatcenter.com. of the National Mall area. Pick up an activity made an official proposal that mapped out June 12, new parking meters should be For those staying in D.C. for a longer booklet at any memorial on the National Mall. a specific vision for the National Mall. around the National Mall. Cost: $2 per duration, Capital Bikeshare rents bicycles There are also short interpretive programs of- In the decades that followed, all sub- hour, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including for a minimum of 24 hours, as well as for fered by park rangers. For more information, sequent developments and park master weekends and holidays. Stations will ac- three days, 30 days or a year. Register see the “Just for Kids” chapter. plans, as well as general management cept credit and debit cards. Payment can online at capitalbikeshare.com to acti- plans under the National Park Service, have also be made via the Parkmobile app or vate a month or year-long membership. ACCESSIBILITY successfully adhered to the general prin- website. Members are granted access to bikes 24 All the National Mall sites are wheel- ciples of the McMillan Commission Plan of Meters: NW be- hours a day, 365 days a year at any of accessible. 1901–1902. tween 15th and 22nd streets NW, Indepen- dence Avenue SW between 15th Street and BEYOND THE MALL PLANNING YOUR VISIT Maine Avenue, Jefferson Drive SW, Madison Drive NW, SW between 23rd The National Mall encompasses the President ’s assassina- ENTRANCE FEES Street SW and Inlet Bridge, Parkway Drive entire area between the Lincoln Memo- tion on April 14, 1865. After being shot, The public may visit the National Mall NW and West Basin Drive SW. Lots: the Tidal rial and the Capitol, and features many the wounded Lincoln was taken to the significant and interesting places to visit. 24 hours a day; rangers are on duty to an- Basin (off of Maine Avenue SW); on Buck- Petersen House, where he later died. Just beyond the mall, there is a wealth swer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. eye Drive SW (next to tennis courts in East The Frederick Douglass National of National Park Service memorials, daily. The mall itself has no fees. Potomac Park); and Lots A, B and C on Ohio buildings and places, such as the Smith- Historic Site preserves the legacy of a For more information, call Visitor Drive SW in . sonian Institution and the National Zoo. famous 19th century African-American, Information at (202) 426-6841 or Park The newest edition to must-see places Frederick Douglass. The site educates Headquarters at (202) 485-9880; or visit PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION is the National Museum of African visitors on Douglass’ efforts to abolish nps.gov/nama. It is highly recommended that you make American History & Culture located on slavery and his struggle for rights for the use of the public transit system (both rail Constitution Avenue. Opened Septem- oppressed. GETTING THERE and bus). Metro information and sched- ber 2016, the Smithsonian Institution The pays Plane: Three major airports link Wash- ules can be found at Washington Metro- building houses more than 36,000 arti- tribute to the little-known but important ington, D.C., with the rest of the coun- politan Area Transit Authority’s websites, facts that capture this importance piece Founding Father George Mason. Mason try. Ronald Reagan Washington National wmata.com and dccirculator.com. of the American story. Other popular Washington, D.C., attractions are found wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights Airport, Washington-Dulles International in the “Beyond the Mall” section of this and later attended the Constitutional Airport and Baltimore/Washington Inter- BICYCLING guide. national Thurgood Marshall Airport all have Bicycles are welcome in the National Convention in 1787. Arlington House, located within the limousine, cab or metro services available Mall & Memorial Parks, and there is bicy- The White House is the official home Arlington National Cemetery, was for 30 that connect with the National Mall. cle parking at each of the major memori- and workplace of the president of the years the home of Robert E. Lee and his Car: The National Mall can be accessed als and along the National Mall. United States. Rich with history, it was family. It is associated with the Washing- from Interstates 66 and 395 from the Bicycle riding is not permitted within any constructed from 1792 to 1800 and has south. Interstate 495, New York Avenue, of the memorials themselves. Please walk ton and Custis families as well. been the home of every president of the Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington bicycles through the World War II and FDR Ford’s Theatre is the historic site of United States since John Adams. Memorial Parkway and the Cabin John memorials or lock before entering.

10 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 11 WHO’S WHO AT CONSTITUTION THE PARK GARDENS

The following entities are dedicated to sylvania Avenue NW, Suite 370, Washing- Constitution Gardens is a living legacy what is now the Constitution Gardens site. preserving the parks and ensuring visitors ton, D.C. 20004; call (202) 407-9408; or to the founding of the republic, as well as These structures, nicknamed “tempos,” enjoy them. visit nationalmall.org. a pastoral oasis in the midst of a bustling remained in place until the 1970s, when city landscape. Believe it or not, these President Richard M. Nixon ordered their NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) BIG BUS TOURS 50 acres of pristine parkland—now situ- removal. After the Navy finally vacated the The NPS is the steward of the Na- Big Bus Tours provides open-top, dou- ated on the National Mall—originally lay buildings, they were eventually demolished tional Mall & Memorial Parks, as well ble decker, hop-on hop-off bus sightsee- beneath the ! A U.S. Army in 1971. President Nixon mandated that a as all of the other sites presented in ing services throughout the National Mall Corps of Engineers dredging project at the park be built on the land, leading to the cre- this guide’s “Beyond the Mall” chap- & Memorial Parks. Tickets are available for turn of the century created the land that ation of Constitution Gardens. ter. As an agency of the Department of various tour types (daytime, nighttime and later became Potomac Park. The Gardens were officially designated the Interior, the NPS is responsible for more) and all vehicles are ADA compliant. in May of 1976, designed to be both a preserving and protecting the environ- For more information, to purchase tickets AN UNUSUAL HISTORY living legacy to America’s Constitution mental and cultural values of our national and to view and download the most up to Beginning in World War I, the U.S. Navy and a way of commemorating the nation’s parks and providing for their public use date routes, call (877) 332-8689, email maintained “temporary” office buildings on bicentennial. In July of 1982, the 56 and enjoyment. For more information, [email protected] or visit big- contact Park Headquarters: write Na- bustours.com. Note: Tickets are also avail- tional Mall & Memorial Parks, 900 Ohio able for sale on buses, from a uniformed Drive SW, Washington, D.C. 20024; call member of Big Bus Washington D.C.’s staff (202) 485-9880; or visit nps.gov/nama. and at most area hotels. Elvert Barnes Elvert

EASTERN NATIONAL GUEST SERVICES, INC. Chartered by the U.S. Congress in Established in 1917, Guest Services, 1948, Eastern National is a nonprofit coop- Inc. was originally founded to provide erating association that promotes the his- dining services to government agencies torical, scientific and educational activities in Washington, D.C. Guest Services op- of the NPS. For more information, write erates food concessions on some of 470 Maryland Drive, Suite 1, Fort Wash- America’s most cherished public lands, ington, PA 19034; call (215) 283-6900; or including the National Mall. Refreshment visit easternnational.org. kiosks serving traditional food and bev- erage fare can be found throughout the TRUST FOR THE NATIONAL MALL D.C. area. Some notable locations are The Trust for the National Mall is the at the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson authorized nonprofit partner of the NPS. Memorial and the . For more Dedicated to restoring and improving the information, call (703) 849-9300 or visit National Mall, this partnership was estab- guestservices.com. lished to raise funds for capital improve- ments, establish an endowment for park WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE maintenance and develop new educational NATIONAL MALL EXPERIENCE? and volunteer opportunities for the public. TELL US! Constitution Gardens was designated in 1976 as a living legacy to the Constitution. For more information, write 1300 Penn-

12 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 13 NATIONAL MALL CONSTITUTION GARDENS FRANKLIN DELANO 56 SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL INDEPENDENCE MEMORIAL

The 56 Signers of the Declaration of In- NPS The Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) courage and optimism that served to inspire dependence Memorial is a knee-level, Memorial, located among the famous Americans. semi-circular granite sculpture featuring the cherry trees near the Tidal Basin along Even 72 years after President names and signatures, as they appeared the National Mall, is a tribute not only to Roosevelt’s death, his own words call on the original document, of each signer. the 32nd president, but also to the era he out from the walls of his memorial. Those Carved into their own respective stones, represents. The memorial traces 12 years who know FDR only as an historical figure each represents one of the men who of American history through a sequence will recognize these words by their signed, sometimes at a different times. of four outdoor rooms. Sculptures inspired association with great and catastrophic Contrary to a widespread misconception, by photographs depict Roosevelt in various events. Americans who lived through the 56 signers did not sign as a group and historical circumstances. When visitors enter the Roosevelt era are likely to recall life- Can you name the 56 signers of the did not do so on July 4, 1776. The official Declaration of Independence? the memorial, for instance, they’re greeted altering personal struggles and triumphs. event occurred on August 2. Later that year, by a statue of FDR seated in a replica of his five more signed separately, and one added edly we shall all hang separately.” Artist Jo- 1930s wheelchair. THE NATION’S ONLY his name in a subsequent year. Despite seph Brown was commissioned to create the Throughout his presidency, spanning 1933 FOUR-TERM PRESIDENT this, signer Benjamin Franklin is said to have memorial as a gift from the American Revolu- to 1945, he addressed America by radio in The FDR Memorial is one of the more stated, “We must all hang together or assur- tion Bicentennial Administration in 1976. what came to be known as fireside chats. expansive memorials in the nation, yet its Each idea and phrase was underscored by shade trees, waterfalls, statuary and quiet

Signers of the Declaration of Indepen- near the . The Gardens in- dence Memorial was dedicated on the clude a concession stand along with a small island that sits upon the park lake. restroom kiosk. Matt Wade On September 17, 1986, in honor of Getting there: If you’re traveling to the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, Constitution Gardens by car, Interstates President Ronald Reagan issued a procla- 66 and 395 provide access to the National mation making Constitution Gardens a liv- Mall from the south. Interstate 495, ing legacy tribute to the Constitution. New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, Whether you stroll along tree-lined George Washington Memorial Parkway paths, enjoy the bucolic splendor of the and the Cabin John Parkway offer access gardens or visit statues that memorialize from the north. Interstate 66 and Routes America’s founding fathers, Constitution 50 and 29 provide access from the west. Gardens is a pleasant place to enjoy a bit Routes 50, 1 and 4 provide access from of nature amid the lively Washington, D.C. the east. Metro riders can access the downtown area. National Mall from the Smithsonian Metro station. Limited parking is PLANNING YOUR VISIT available on Constitution Avenue. For Visitors will find Constitution Gardens more information, contact the Visitor open from dawn to dusk year-round. Information Center: write The National The Gardens are located on the National Mall & Memorial Parks, 900 Ohio Drive Mall, south of Constitution Avenue be- SW, Washington, D.C. 20242; call (202) President Roosevelt’s terrier, Fala, was so famous that in 1944, one of the President’s speeches was tween 17th Street and Bacon Drive NW, 426-6841; or visit nps.gov/coga. named after him.

14 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 15 NATIONAL MALL FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL NATIONAL MALL FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL alcoves create the feeling of a secluded ROOM THREE THE ARCHITECT of the National Mall are wheelchair ac- garden rather than an imposing structure. For Americans, the horror of war be- In 1974, Lawrence Halprin was se- cessible, and each site has one wheel- The memorial is divided into four out- came a grim reality on December 7, lected by the Franklin D. Roosevelt chair, which is available on a first come, door galleries, or rooms—one for each 1941. Upon entering the third room of Memorial Commission to design the me- first-served basis. For wheelchairs at the of FDR’s terms in office. the memorial, visitors leave the symbols morial. His design, which encompasses FDR Memorial, contact a park ranger or of hope laid out in previous rooms and 7.5 acres in a park-like setting, fits within bookstore staff member. ROOM ONE confront the uncertainty of wartime. The the McMillan plan from 1901, which There are places for family activities In 1933, Franklin Roosevelt began his stone walkway—marked “Third Term identified sites for major memorials and around the Tidal Basin. Visitors can rent first term while the United States was in 1941–1945”—highlights the years of the monuments. paddle boats by the hour. The cost is the midst of the Great Depression—and Second World War. For FDR, this en- $18 per hour for two-passenger boats the first room offers visitors a glimpse of tire term involved preventing world de- PLANNING YOUR VISIT and $30 per hour for four-passenger what life was like during that troubled era. struction and working toward a lasting The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial is boats. For more information, please visit Approximately 30 percent of Americans peace. Visitors are initially greeted with located near West Basin Drive, on the boatingindc.com were unemployed, and thousands of a destructive presence, as giant granite National Mall. The main part of the me- The FDR Memorial can be accessed people lost their jobs each day. Severe blocks are strewn across their path. A morial remains open 24 hours a day and via the Smithsonian Metro station. droughts in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and statue depicting FDR as strong and pur- members of the interpretive ranger staff For more information, please write: the Great Plains—which became known poseful as he faced the war is reminis- are on site from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, as the “dust bowl”—made it impossi- cent of his poses in numerous newsreels daily, except Christmas Day. The book- 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C. ble for farmers to harvest the land. Bank and photographs of the time. store operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 20024; call Visitor Information at insurance did not yet exist, so Ameri- daily. Visitors should be aware that rest- (202) 426-6841 or Park Headquarters cans also worried about the money they ROOM FOUR room facilities close by 10 p.m. All areas at (202) 485-9880; or visit nps.gov/frde. had deposited into financial institutions. By 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt had Around the country, people were with- been serving as president for 12 years— drawing their funds in panic, worried that years filled with such exceptionally chal- HELP US RESTORE they would lose their savings along with lenging events as a national depression their income. and a world war. His fourth term—made AMERICA’S BELOVED him the longest-serving U.S. president. In LANDMARKS. ROOM TWO April 1945, a few months after he was in- The second room features George Se- augurated, FDR traveled to Warm Springs, gal’s sculpture of a man listening intently Georgia, for a physical and mental retreat. to one of FDR’s fireside chats, showing the During this trip, he suffered a stroke and importance of the president to the average died at the age of 63. Although Franklin person during the Great Depression. In Roo- Delano Roosevelt was no longer president sevelt’s second inaugural address he stated, of the nation, his legacy continued to af- “I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, fect the country. ill-clad, ill-nourished.” These fireside chats, although relatively few in number (between 27 and 31, depending on the source), are OUR READER remembered fondly by many in FDR’s gen- FEEDBACK eration. Like the term “New Deal,” the "We learned so much about phrase was first coined by a member of the our country’s history in just press, then adopted for wide usage—and one day." -Micah Smith WWW.NATIONALMALL.ORG finally immortalized.

16 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 17 KOREAN WAR NATIONAL MALL KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL up another of Korea’s endless hills toward • Curb: Raised granite curb lists the 22 na- VETERANS MEMORIAL their objective: an independent South Korea. tions that contributed to this first U.N. effort The memorial features statues of fighting From 1950 to 1953, the United States When the United Nations joined forces men on patrol—which represent the Army, PLANNING YOUR VISIT joined with United Nations forces in Korea. with the United States and the Republic of Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force—work- The Korean War Veterans Memorial, lo- Their mission was to take a stand against South Korea to stop the invasion, this fear ing together for the common goal of victory. cated on French Drive SW, is open daily, ex- the spread of communism, deemed a threat was justified. North Korea not only had the Countries that provided troops, medical sup- cept for Christmas Day. It is accessible from to democratic nations worldwide. backing of the Soviet Union government, but port or supplies to help South Korea are listed the Foggy Bottom station on the Metro. June 25, 1950, marked the beginning also the military support of China. The stage on the United Nations Wall: Australia, Bel- Souvenirs and food are available on site. Re- of a war like no other. Many years have was set for a bloody three years. gium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ethiopia, strooms and a bookstore are located nearby passed since the end of the Chosin In 1945 the United Nations established France, Greece, India, Italy, Luxembourg, the at the Lincoln Memorial. Like all other sites Reservoir Campaign in North Korea, and the 38th parallel as the boundary divid- Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Phil- on the National Mall, the Korean War Veter- the American public has all but forgotten ing North and South Korea. The North ippines, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, ans Memorial is wheelchair accessible. Each the violence and valor that took place Koreans crossed this boundary to invade, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, the United King- site on the Mall has one wheelchair that can there at the enlisted man’s level. But, to and attempt to unite, South Korea under dom and the United States of America. be used by visitors. For more information, the men and women who served, the Ko- a communist government. The United All of this points to the Pool of Re- write: Korean War Veterans Memorial, 900 rean War could never be forgotten. States entered the conflict under an as- membrances, where the sacrifice of Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C. 20024; The time had come, in the eyes of the sumption that military efforts would be American lives can be considered. An in- call Visitor Information at (202) 426-6841 nation, to set aside a place of remembrance similar to a police action to drive the North scription summarizes the meaning of the or Park Headquarters at (202) 485-9880; or for the people who served in this hard- Koreans back across the 38th parallel. memorial: visit nps.gov/kowa. fought war more than half a century ago The two armies crisscrossed the divid- “Our nation honors her sons and daugh- and half a world away. The Korean War ing line several times. When the Chinese ters who answered the call to defend a Veterans Memorial honors those Ameri- feared their own borders were threat- country they never knew and a people cans who answered the call, those who ened, they became involved on the side they never met.” fought with bravery and skill against our of the North Koreans. The conflict then Durrani Shahid communist foes, and those who gave their escalated to war. DIMENSIONS lives for the cause of freedom. Because the Korean War lasted three • Walls: 164 feet long; 8 inches thick; more years (1950–1953), it is not always thought than 100 tons of highly polished “Acad- KOREA: THE “FORGOTTEN WAR” of as significant; however, if one compares emy Black” granite from California; more The Korean War has often been re- the more than 38,000 American fatalities of than 2,500 photographic, archival images ferred to as the “forgotten war” because the Korean War with those of the 16-year representing the land, sea and air troops it came on the heels of World War II and long , the ratio indicates the and supporting branches who fought in the was later overshadowed by the conten- Korean War was quite a deadly conflict. war are sandblasted onto the wall tious Vietnam conflict. • Statues: 19 stainless steel statues, 7’3” to Like Vietnam, Korea was part of the Cold THE MEMORIAL 7’6” tall, each weighs nearly 1,000 pounds; War to stop the advancement of commu- Dedicated on July 27, 1995, the 14 Army, 2 Marines, 1 Navy Medic, 1 Air nism in Southeast Asia. When the com- Korean War Veterans Memorial honors the Force Observer; sculptor Frank Gaylord; fi- munist troops of North Korea invaded the ­teamwork that saved the Republic of Korea. ber optic lighting Republic of South Korea, the United States The mural wall of sandblasted images of the • Pool: 30 feet in diameter; black granite became involved through a promise of sup- war pays tribute to the solidarity between the from Canada; 223 piles driven into bed- port given to the president of South Korea. It support and combat branches of the U.S. mil- rock, 30 to 60 feet deep, supporting the was feared that this tiny peninsula would be itary. The brightly polished granite surface re- statues and the wall The 7 foot-tall, stainless steel statues weigh the setting for the eruption of World War III. flects the poncho-clad riflemen as they climb • Land area: 2.2 acres nearly 1,000 lbs each.

18 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 19 NATIONAL MALL LINCOLN MEMORIAL

LINCOLN MEMORIAL striking ­talent for expression. His is considered one of the most suc-

cinct and eloquently written speeches deliv- Favero Chris The Lincoln Memorial is a tribute to Lincoln endured a life of early hardship—a ered by an American politician. President Abraham Lincoln and the na- childhood of poverty, a lack of formal educa- tion he fought so valiantly to preserve dur- tion and the death of his mother, brother and A LIFE OF POLITICS ing America’s Civil War. Built to resemble sister before he reached the age of 21. Yet he Lincoln’s political career began in the a Greek temple, it remains one of the overcame adversity and became recognized mid-1830s, at age 25, with his election more revered symbols to grace the Wash- as one of our great champions of democracy, to the Illinois State Legislature. He was ington, D.C., skyline. The Lincoln Memo- summoning the strength to lead this nation known for idolizing the founding fathers The columns of the memorial are inspired by rial boasts 36 Doric columns, one for through its greatest crisis. While young and their grand experiment in popular gov- the Parthenon in Athens. each state at the time of Lincoln’s death. Lincoln was growing up, his family often ernment and liberty for all. Lincoln felt that, A sculpture by moved, and in 1816, they relocated from thanks to the rights bestowed by the Dec- for those ideals could never be imagined on featuring a is situated in Kentucky to Indiana to live in a state that did laration of Independence, “in this country, that election day of November 6, 1860. Be- the center of the memorial chamber and not condone slavery. Lincoln’s mother—a one can scarcely be so poor, but that, if he tween 1861 and 1865, more than 750,000 stands as a dramatic visual highlight. rare frontier woman who could read—pro- will, he can acquire sufficient education Americans, both Union and Confederate, Inscribed on the south wall of the mon- vided his early education, most of which was to get through the world respectably.” Lin- would lay down their lives for their respec- ument are the words of Lincoln’s famous acquired by absorbing the written words of coln exemplified that firsthand by teaching tive definitions of freedom. The end of the Gettysburg Address. Above it is a mural great thinkers. Despite having little formal himself enough about law to gain admis- war produced a fully restored federal gov- painted by Jules Guerin, depicting the education, Lincoln ultimately developed a sion to the Illinois Bar in 1837. ernment that ensured all Americans the angel of truth freeing slaves. Guerin also By the 1850s, after his marriage to rights established by the Constitution. As a painted the Unity of North and South Mary Todd and the birth of four sons, Lin- potent symbol of American democracy, the

mural on the north wall, which bears the Eli Duke coln was one of the more respected attor- Lincoln Memorial continues to inspire the words of Lincoln’s second inaugural ad- neys in Illinois. Most of his work centered world with its simple and dignified message dress that concludes: in that state’s Supreme Court, where he of freedom. People come to the memo- participated in more than 240 cases and rial to be moved by the spirit of President “With malice toward none; with charity won most of them. Yet his life was still Lincoln’s fierce determination to save the for all...let us strive on to finish the work we plagued by hardship: Lincoln faced regular Union and his extraordinary compassion are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds...to do bouts of depression, the loss of one son, toward those denied freedom. This senti- all which may achieve and cherish a just and and two failed attempts at the U.S. Sen- ment is fittingly expressed in the memo- lasting peace among ourselves, and with all ate. Undaunted, he again found a way to rial’s inscription: “In this temple, as in the nations.” forge ahead. His consequential debates hearts of the people for whom he saved the with Stephen Douglas set the stage for Union, the of Abraham Lincoln­ is ABRAHAM LINCOLN: HIS LIFE & LEGACY his eventual presidential nomination by enshrined forever.” For many Americans, the Lincoln Memo- the Republican Party in 1860. His trade- rial stands as a kind of sacred secular space mark ambition, as well as his principled THE MEMORIAL or temple commemorating the nation’s beliefs of equal rights and a united repub- From an architectural standpoint, the savior and first assassinated president. lic, led to victory. Lincoln Memorial takes its inspiration from Having led the country through the long classical architecture. It’s modeled after night of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln SAVING DEMOCRACY the Parthenon in Athens, and pays tribute would not live to see the dawn of “a new Though Lincoln would come to be known to the tremendous accomplishments of birth of freedom,” which he had eloquently Lincoln gazes across the National Mall to the as an emancipator and savior of democ- ancient Greece—the first modern culture spoken of during his presidency. Washington Monument. racy, the price he and this nation would pay to practice democratic government.

20 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 21 NATIONAL MALL LINCOLN MEMORIAL MARTIN LUTHER Talk of a memorial began soon after Lin- Thousands of people gathered in the rela- coln’s death, but it was years before con- tively new West Potomac Park; among them KING, JR. MEMORIAL struction actually began. While an early was Lincoln’s only surviving son, Robert. design was made, there was no financial Chief Justice —a former Known for his courage, eloquent days, King became an important figure in support behind it; the project stopped president himself—spoke at the ceremony: speeches and uplifting words, Dr. Martin Alabama and eventually on the national temporarily, but the idea was kept alive. By “Here on the banks of the Potomac, the Luther King, Jr. became a worldwide icon stage. King advocated for social change February 1911, a bill establishing the Lin- boundary between the two sections, whose for the Civil Rights Movement in the United through nonviolence and peaceful pro- coln Memorial Commission was passed conflict made the burden, passion and States. Dr. King’s struggle for justice re- tests. The March on Washington brought in Congress. The individuals selected to ­triumph of his life, it is particularly appropri- sulted in crucial legislation that changed hundreds of thousands to the nation’s design the memorial were architect ate that it should stand.” the way the country viewed civil rights. capital to fight for civil rights. Henry Bacon, sculptor Daniel Chester The Lincoln Memorial has matured with King grew up in Georgia and excelled In Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, French and artist Jules Guerin. age into a symbol of freedom. in school. Attending Morehouse College 1968, shots rang out at the Lorraine Mo- The next critical issue facing the commit- at the age of 15, it was clear King was tel. James Earl Ray assassinated the tee was the memorial’s location. One sug- PLANNING YOUR VISIT gifted. In 1948, he became an ordained preacher and left a hole in the hearts of gestion was Potomac Park, newly created The Lincoln Memorial is located at minister at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist millions across the United States and the as a result of filling in the marshy area along 23rd Street NW. It is open 24 hours a Church. By 1955, King received his doc- globe. the Potomac River. Although it was hard to day, seven days a week, except Christ- torate from Boston University and was imagine this as an ideal setting for a new mas Day. Rangers are on duty and well on his way to becoming a leader in I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH memorial, some saw the potential. The available to answer questions from the community. Leading the Montgomery “I have a dream that my four little chil- Lincoln Memorial would be the perfect ad- 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and the Bus Boycott in 1955, which lasted 381 dren will one day live in a nation where dition to Pierre L’Enfant’s plan for the capi- lower lobby is open daily from 8:00 a.m. tal city—serving as the west end of the to 10 p.m. Metro riders can access it by National Mall, while facing the Washington way of the Foggy Bottom station. The me- Monument and the Capitol. morial chamber is wheelchair accessible Ron Cogswell Ron Ground was broken on February 12, via an elevator in the lower lobby. Visitors 1914, the 105th birthday of Abraham Lin- can borrow wheelchairs on a first come, coln. Work would continue for eight years first-served basis at the Korean War Vet- until the memorial’s completion. The design erans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans called for a Greek temple-like ­structure, Memorial kiosks. Park rangers with a marble staircase leading up to its several interpretive talks at the memorial entrance, and columns surrounding the out- daily upon request. side. Carvings of two of Lincoln’s famous Facilities at the The Lincoln Memorial in- speeches and murals depicting reunion and clude exhibits, a bookstore and restrooms. emancipation would accompany the statue For more information, write: Lincoln of Lincoln inside the memorial. The Pic- Memorial, 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washing- cirilli brothers did the stone carving for ton, D.C. 20024; call visitor information the Lincoln statue. Jules Guerin painted at (202) 426-6841 or headquarters at the murals, and Ernest C. Bairstow carved (202) 485-9880; or visit nps.gov/linc. the speeches into the walls. SHARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIAL DAY DEDICATION PHOTOS WITH US! The memorial was completed and ready FOLLOW US! for its dedication on Memorial Day 1922. The 30-foot-tall likeness of Dr. King is situated between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.

22 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 23 NATIONAL MALL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL THOMAS JEFFERSON they will not be judged by the color of their PLAN YOUR VISIT skin but by the content of their character. Visitors can pay tribute at the memorial MEMORIAL I have a dream today!” – Dr. Martin Luther from dawn to dusk year-round. It is located King, Jr. on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin, Thomas Jefferson—political philosopher, of those stirring words, “We hold these On August 28, 1963, Dr. King delivered adjacent to the FDR Memorial, and falls architect, musician, book collector, scien- truths to be self-evident, that all men are his famous “I Have A Dream” speech along the “Line of Leadership,” directly tist, horticulturist, diplomat, inventor and created equal,” which initiated the Dec- from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. between the Lincoln Memorial and the third president of the United States—cer- laration of Independence. Not only did he The speech is hailed as one of the best Jefferson Memorial. The address is 1964 tainly figures prominently in any discussion establish the reasons for the colonies to pieces of rhetoric in history. Independence Avenue SW, Washington, of noteworthy Americans. Jefferson left to break from Great Britain, but he helped D.C. 20024. The 1964 in the address is a the future not only a wealth of ideas, but to manage the American nation on the THE INSCRIPTION WALL tribute to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. also a great body of practical achievements. “world stage” while a proper constitution Fourteen of Dr. King’s most notable Getting there: If traveling to Constitu- He articulated strong beliefs about the in- was being established. He also served in quotes from various points of his career tion Gardens by car, Interstates 66 and 395 trinsic rights of a free people, separation of President Washington’s Cabinet as first are engraved on a 450-foot, crescent- provide access from the south. Interstate church and state, and the availability of edu- secretary of state, led the new nation as its shaped granite wall for visitors to read and 495, New York Avenue, - cation to all. third president, and oversaw the country’s reflect upon, ensuring the powerful words way, George Washington Memorial Parkway growth and expansion westward. of Dr. King will never be forgotten. Sur- and the Cabin John Parkway offer access A NATURAL SETTING rounded by the Yoshino cherry blossom from the north. Interstate 66 and Routes The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is lo- THE DECLARATION OF trees and located on the Tidal Basin’s 50 and 29 provide access from the west. cated in an outdoor setting that would un- INDEPENDENCE edge, the monument’s design integrates Routes 50, 1 and 4 provide access from the doubtedly have delighted him. Its marble, On an evening in late June of 1776, beauty with a feeling of peace. east. Metro riders can access the National domed structure is surrounded by plants many a citizen from may Mall from the Smithsonian Metro station. and trees that grow natively in Jefferson’s have looked to an upstairs window in a THE MOUNTAIN OF DESPAIR For more information, write The National home state of Virginia. The capital’s trea- small house on the corner of Seventh and & STONE OF HOPE Mall & Memorial Parks, 900 Ohio Drive SW, sured natural specimens—the flowering Market streets to see a candle flickering Visitors enter the memorial through Washington, D.C. 20242; call (202) 426-6841 Japanese Cherry trees—decorate its path- in the darkness. The glow from this light the Mountain of Despair, a passage that or visit nps.gov/mlkm. ways. The building and grounds are also a was giving Thomas Jefferson the ability to symbolizes the historic struggles of the tribute to classic, elegant simplicity. In the draft the Declaration of Independence. African-American race. Thrust forward end, Jefferson, a man of so many accom- Jefferson, then 33, did not just fall into from the Mountain of Despair is the plishments, offered a relatively simple ap- the position of author of this vital docu- image of Dr. King, looking toward the praisal of his own life, in words he chose ment. He was a graduate of the College of future. Upon passing through, visitors are for his tombstone: “Author of the Declara- William & Mary, had started a law practice

released into the open freedom of the Congress of Library tion of American Independence, of the Stat- and had become a representative from Al- plaza. A carving in one side of the stone ute of Virginia for religious freedom, and bemarle County to the Virginia legislature. passage reads, “Out of the Mountain Father of the University of Virginia.” In 1775, Jefferson arrived in Philadelphia of Despair, A Stone of Hope.” It is this as a representative from Virginia to the stone from which Dr. King’s 30-foot tall FROM REBEL TO PRESIDENT Second Continental Congress. Delegates granite image emerges. Thomas Jefferson’s part in the na- from the 13 colonies had come to deci- From here, visitors get unparalleled tion’s early history cannot be overem- sions regarding the growing problems views of the Jefferson Memorial. Dr. phasized. This Virginia native played a with their “mother country,” Great Britain. King’s gaze symbolizes seeing a future of pivotal role in the , the Many members of Congress finally de- justice and equality for which he encour- formation of a solid new government and cided that it might no longer be possible Dr. King’s legendary “I Have a Dream” aged all citizens to strive. speech and the March on Washington took the continuation of America’s expansion. to remain a part of the British Empire and place at the memorial. Jefferson is famously known as author that independence may be the only alter-

24 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 25 NATIONAL MALL THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL NATIONAL MALL THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL native. Jefferson—along with such men secretary of the Navy, he was disappointed as John Adams and Benjamin Frank- that there was not a memorial dedicated m01229 lin—were assigned the duty of writing a to the memory and accomplishments of document that explained why the colo- Thomas Jefferson. Roosevelt believed Jef- nists’ independence was necessary. The ferson’s impact on this country was as Declaration of Independence was both a monumental as Washington’s or Lincoln’s. listing of King George III’s actions that vio- Accordingly, during Roosevelt’s presidency lated the fundamental rights of the colo- in 1934, he encouraged Congress to pass nists and a philosophical statement on the a joint resolution to establish a Thomas rights of free people. Jefferson Memorial Commission. The commission subsequently was given the OUR NATION’S THIRD PRESIDENT authority to plan, design and construct a me- Years later, as the third president of the morial that would be a tribute to Jefferson’s United States, Thomas Jefferson was re- many accomplishments. sponsible for one of the larger and more peaceful land transactions in America’s THE DESIGN CONTROVERSY history. In 1803, Jefferson purchased The commission asked architect John 828,000 square miles, an area known then Russell Pope to submit a design. This as the Louisiana Territory, from France in action drew considerable objections from exchange for $15 million. The acquisition many sources because no nationwide was met with joy and opposition. Some competition was held to ensure that the saw the Louisiana Territory as a vast re- most deserving party would win. The gion with unlimited natural resources and National Competitions Committee for Ar- promise; others viewed it as nothing but a chitecture felt this act went against every burden and waste of money. He saw the democratic ideal Thomas Jefferson repre- potential for endless economic opportu- sented. Despite this, plans went forward. nities and new trade routes and believed Pope decided the most fitting style The Jefferson Memorial’s columns, like the columns on the Lincoln Memorial, invoke classical Greek architecture. that out West there was “land enough for would be the design Jefferson had favored our descendants to the thousandth and at both his Virginia home, Monticello, and Otto R. Eggers and Daniel P. Higgins, after PLANNING YOUR VISIT thousandth generation.” at the University of Virginia. It would be a Pope’s death. This infuriated the Commis- The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is lo- circular, domed design based on the Pan- sion of Fine Arts and others who opposed cated on East Basin Drive SW. The public AN UNUSUAL HISTORY theon in Rome, which Jefferson believed the Pantheon-type design and the continuing may visit 24 hours a day; rangers are on The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, designed to be a perfect model of a circular build- involvement of Pope’s former associates. The duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to honor one of America’s noteworthy found- ing. In 1936, Pope submitted his grandiose Memorial Commission bypassed this oppo- to 10 p.m. daily. It is accessible from the ing fathers, has quite an intriguing (and tu- Pantheon design to the commission. After sition by going to President Franklin D. Roo- Smithsonian station on the Metro. Facilities multuous) history of its own. People chained significant consideration, the memorial de- sevelt. He authorized the altered Pantheon at the memorial include exhibits, conces- themselves to the Japanese Cherry trees in sign was accepted. design, giving his full support. sions, a bookstore and restrooms. In the protest of their removal, and the perma- But the problems and controversies sur- Today, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial lower lobby, open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 nent bronze statue of Jefferson himself was rounding construction of the memorial did not stands in tribute to the man who inspired p.m., There is an elevator that offers ac- conspicuously absent until four years after end with the design’s approval. The Thomas this country to continue its western expan- cess to the memorial chamber, museum, the memorial was dedicated. Jefferson Memorial Commission selected sion, not only to gain new territory, but also bookstore and restrooms. For more in- When Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to a revised, scaled-down Pantheon design by to create a platform on which to spread the formation, call visitor information Washington, D.C. in 1913, as the assistant Pope, which was then further modified by ideals of freedom and democracy. at (202) 426-6841 or visit nps.gov/thje.

26 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 27 VIETNAM VETERANS NATIONAL MALL VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL MEMORIAL

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors A GRASSROOTS EFFECT the men and women who served in one of The VVMF discovered that many people, the nation’s more divisive wars. It grew out for many different reasons, would take a of a need to heal the country’s wounds as personal stake in this cause by sending $5, Americans struggled to reconcile different $10 or $15. Senator John Warner of Virginia moral and political points of view and was donated $5,000 and helped raise another conceived and designed to pave the way $50,000. Donations exceeded $8.4 million. toward reconciliation and healing. Four com- Private donations were received from more ponents comprise the memorial: the Wall than 275,000 individuals. of Names, the Three Servicemen statue The site at the base of the Lincoln and flagpole, the Vietnam Women’s Me- Memorial seemed perfect; the VVMF morial and the In Memory Plaque. had to appeal to Congress to procure that locale on the National Mall. A bill—which CREATION OF THE VIETNAM granted the VVMF two acres at the foot of VETERANS MEMORIAL the Lincoln Memorial—passed the Senate Though Jan Scruggs survived the Viet- in just seven minutes on April 30, 1980; nam War—a tour of duty in which he was on July 1, 1980, President Jimmy Carter wounded and decorated for bravery—many signed the bill into law. The VVMF would of his comrades did not. He once said of his then complete the remaining tasks of se- service in Vietnam: lecting a design for the memorial—which “The bitterness I feel when I remember car- included holding a design competition, rying the lifeless bodies of close friends through setting contractual agreements and over- the mire of Vietnam will probably never subside. seeing the memorial’s construction. On I still wonder if anything can be found to bring November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veter- any purpose to all the suffering and death.” ans Memorial was dedicated. Clockwise from far right: The Washington Monument is reflected in the carved surface of the Vietnam Upon his return home, Scruggs found him- Today, the VVMF collaborates with the Veterans Memorial, photo: Glyn Lowe; Visitors make rubbings of relatives’ names from the wall, self committed to a different struggle: to en- NPS to conduct ceremonies at the memo- photo: U.S. Army; The Vietnam Women’s Memorial honors women’s contributions and sacrifice, photo: Jeff Kubina; statue honors veterans of European, African-American and shrine the memory of those who fought and rial on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They Hispanic descent, photo: Ed Schipul; Red carnations placed along the wall, photo: anjan58 died in the war. also add those names of military personnel Jan Scruggs and a group of fellow vet- who are determined to have died as a result the names of the more than 58,000 men The Wall is built into the earth, below erans formed the Vietnam Veterans of their service in Southeast Asia, keep re- and women who were killed in the Viet- ground level. The names appear in an al- Memorial Fund (VVMF). Their objective cords of those listed on the Wall and main- nam War or remain missing. These names most never-ending account; it is a listing was to create a tangible tribute to those tain residual funds for the maintenance and are etched on black granite panels—ar- that may at first appear chaotic, but the Americans who served in the conflict. repair of the memorial itself. ranged into two arms—extending from names are listed in the order in which the Scruggs wrote, “Our memorial had to a central point to form a wide angle. The men and women died or were declared be paid for by private contributions in a THE WALL arms point to the Washington Monument missing. The first name is located in the largely volunteer effort organized by people Set in the grassy park of Constitution and the Lincoln Memorial in the distance, center of the memorial, at the top of the whose principal reward would be knowing Gardens, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial bringing a sense of historical context to Wall, under the date “1959,” the year of they had honored those whom the nation Wall is neither prominent, nor grand nor the Vietnam Memorial’s spot on the Na- the first Vietnam fatality. Names continue managed to ignore.” imposing. Quite simply, the wall contains tional Mall. line by line down each panel toward the

28 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 29 NATIONAL MALL VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL WASHINGTON right end of the memorial. They then re- Lin’s design. In the end, the compromise sume at the left end of the memorial and of the Three Servicemen statue and MONUMENT continue toward the center. At the bottom flagpole fulfilled a purpose of the Viet- of the wall the last death is recorded next nam Veterans Memorial—to help heal the The Washington Monument is one of OUR NATION’S FIRST PRESIDENT to “1975.” nation’s wounds. the more readily recognized of all buildings In 1787, as president of the Constitutional in the nation’s capital. It rises tall, brilliant and Convention, Washington helped guide the de- NAMELESS HEROES THE 1982 DEDICATION imposing, emphasized by the green grass liberations that were instrumental in forming Other than the names, there is nothing The 1982 memorial dedication heralded and colorful flags that surround it. It stands in a government that has now lasted more than on the wall to describe who the men and a homecoming for many veterans. With a the heart of the city, near the center of cross 200 years. Two years later, Washington was women were. No name is more meaningful memorial in place, it was an obvious sign axes stretching between four of America’s unanimously elected to be the first president or important than any other. The names are of recognition and honor. Jan Scruggs, the famous buildings: the U.S. Capitol, the Lin- of the United States. distinguished by how the men and women man who started the movement for a me- coln Memorial, the White House and the At that time, the federal government did were lost: A diamond next to a name indi- morial, stated, “I think it will make people Thomas Jefferson Memorial. not have a permanent home, but it did have cates a person was killed; a plus sign shows feel the price of war … it will make them un- The monument is undergoing elevator temporary quarters in . Accord- a person is missing in action. derstand that the price has to be paid in hu- modernization work and is expected to ingly, Washington traveled there to begin man lives.” remain closed until Spring 2019. his first term of office.­ After the government THE THREE SERVICEMEN STATUE: moved to ­Philadelphia, there were plans in the CONTROVERSY & COMPROMISE PLANNING YOUR VISIT GEORGE WASHINGTON: making for a permanent federal capital along Maya Ying Lin’s design of a long, black The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located FOUNDING FATHER the Potomac River. During Washington’s presi- granite wall etched with the names of all at Bacon Drive and Constitution Avenue, is Certainly George Washington is best dency, the city construction went forward. of the American dead and missing im- open 24 hours a day and rangers are on known for being America’s first president. Yet, mediately drew controversy. One veteran duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. he held many other titles in his lifetime and assailed the design as the “black gash of to 10 p.m. daily. Metro riders can access earned the title “Father of Our Country” in shame.” Other detractors criticized it as the Memorial from the Foggy Bottom recognition of the formative role he played on a “black, flagless pit,” “death-oriented,” station. All areas on the National Mall are behalf of American freedom. Matt Janicki and “intentionally not meaningful.” Sup- wheelchair accessible and each site has The story of George Washington begins porters felt that personal, political or ethi- one wheelchair for visitor use. For more with a man who climbed social and military cal reservations about the war could be information, write: Vietnam Veterans ladders fueled by his own initiative. On July 3, set aside in order to remember and honor Memorial, 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washing- 1775, he took on what was thought to be an those who served. ton, D.C. 20024; call visitor information impossible task: commanding of an army of As debate raged over Lin’s design, op- at (202) 426-6841 or Park headquarters rag-tag volunteers who were so determined ponents suggested throwing it out and at (202) 485-9880; or visit nps.gov/vive. to throw off the British yoke that they were starting over again, while members of willing to wage war against the mightiest Congress registered their disapproval. empire of the 1700s. It was Washington’s Secretary of the Interior James Watt, in “There is nothing so American as our leadership that shaped these volunteers into the Reagan Administration, refused to is- national parks... The fundamental fighting men. In battle after battle, the Con- sue a building permit for the memorial. idea behind the parks... is that the tinental Army followed their commander and country belongs to the people, that it Under the threat of losing their memo- eventually triumphed over their British adver- is in process of making for the rial, the veterans met to find a compro- saries. With the surrender of British General enrichment of the lives of all of us.” mise. They decided to add a statue and -President Franklin D. Roosevelt Cornwallis in 1781, a new nation was born. a flagpole, a more traditional symbol of Washington became the most popular and patriotism and heroism that some veter- OhRanger.com powerful man in America. The cornerstone of the Washington Monument, ans and opponents thought was lacking in laid on July 4, 1848, weighs 24,500 pounds.

30 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 31 NATIONAL MALL WASHINGTON MONUMENT NATIONAL MALL WASHINGTON MONUMENT

site for the deceased first president. For de- BREAKING GROUND At the outbreak of the Civil War, the monu- cades, however, political wrangling delayed Sunday, July 4, 1848, marked the laying ment stood at 176 feet. Construction was the project. of the cornerstone, which was made of pure halted in 1854 when the shaft was barely kreicher/iStock In 1833, the Washington National Mon- white Symington marble weighing 24,500 one-third completed. It would not be taken ument Society was organized to redeem, pounds. The marble had been dragged up again until 1878, after the centennial through private efforts, the congressional through the streets of Washington by work- celebration of the nation’s founding. At this pledge to erect a memorial in the nation’s men and anyone else who could seize a line, time, stones from a different quarry were capital. To assure that the enterprise would be transporting the unwieldy load from the Wash- used, and that is why the top two-thirds of the popular and national in scope, contributions ington Navy Yard to the site. monument are a different color from the bot- were initially limited to $1 per year per person As the Washington National Monument tom. The dedication of the completed Wash- (Eventuallythis limitation was removed). By Society reached the end of its resources, ington Monument took place on February An engraving depicting George Washington at 1847 a total of $78,000 had been collected, appeals went out for contributions to con- 21, 1885. It marked the end of construction the Battle of Trenton a sum considered by the society to be suffi- tinue the project. In lieu of money, the state on the memorial, aside from final details, and cient to begin construction of the memorial. of Alabama offered the society a decorative was the last official act of President Chester Although the Continental Congress had the stone to be used in the monument. This idea A. Arthur. good intention to build a monument in the THE “NATIONAL PANTHEON” caught on and other states, municipalities and new city, George Washington passed from Many sketches were submitted and associations joined in to contribute a “block of PLANNING YOUR VISIT public office and into retirement without a trib- the design of Robert Mills was ulti- marble or other durable stone.” Later, this invi- Please note that the monument is ex- ute. Yet ­history would show that Washington mately chosen. His plan for a memorial tation to contribute memorial blocks of stone pected to be closed until Spring 2019 as it was a man of unparalleled accomplishments: to Washington was a blend of Greek, was extended to foreign governments. undergoes elevator modernization work. Revolutionary War hero, he defined the Babylonian and Egyptian architecture. Its presidency, helped develop the relationships enormous circular base was a temple- among the three branches of government like building 200 feet in diameter and 100 and established precedents that successfully feet tall. Thirty massive columns were to launched the new government on its course. surround the rotunda. Statues of the sign- Pedro Szekely It seemed fitting that the citizens of the United ers of the Declaration of Independence, States devise a landmark to show their endur- Revolutionary War heroes and Washing- ing gratitude and respect. ton were to be placed at the outer ring. Mills called the design a “National Pan- THE BUILDING OF A MONUMENT: theon.” A four-sided obelisk, or shaft, ONE HUNDRED YEARS was to rise 600 feet from the center of Efforts to commemorate George Wash- the rotunda. A “railway” was to transport ington’s legacy began during his lifetime and visitors to an observatory to be located covered many venues: the naming of the atop the circular base. federal capital, and later, universities, streets, In 1848, Congress granted a 37-acre counties and even a state! But none have site for the Washington National Monu- captured the imagination of people world- ment. Soil tests, however, showed the wide like the Washington Monument. intended spot due south of the White In December 1799, eight days after the House and due west of the Capitol to be death of Washington, U.S. Representative too marshy, so an alternate spot about 100 John Marshall proposed that “a marble mon- yards to the southeast was chosen (thus, ument be erected by the United States in the slightly altering the monument’s north- While the Washington Monument is closed for repairs, the rest of the Mall is not. You can still lounge Capitol at the City of Washington,” as a burial south alignment with the White House). by the reflecting pool and take in the majesty of the obelisk from afar.

32 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 33 WORLD WAR II NATIONAL MALL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL The design was submitted by Friedrich one bronze laurel wreath within each arch; MEMORIAL St. Florian, an architect based in Providence, 24 bronze bas relief sculptures along the Rhode Island. He was one of six semi-final- ceremonial entrance (12 on each side); The World War II Memorial, located on HONORING A GENERATION ists selected in an open national competition. 4,048 sculpted gold stars on the Freedom the National Mall in Washington, D.C., When Congress authorized the World Leo A. Daly, an international architecture firm, Wall; and 112 bronze wreaths with arma- commemorates the sacrifice—and cel- War II Memorial in 1993, it placed the proj- assembled the winning team with St. Florian tures (two wreaths on each pillar, one on ebrates the victory—of the World War II ect under the direction of the American as the design architect. The team also in- each side). generation. This memorial, completed Battle Monuments Commission, an in- cluded George E. Hartman of Hartman-Cox in 2004, honors the 16 million men and dependent agency of the federal govern- Architects, Oehme van Sweden & Associ- THE WORLD WAR II women who served in the U.S. armed ment. The first step in establishing the ates and sculptor Ray Kaskey. The commis- REGISTRY OF NAMES forces during the war. More than 400,000 memorial was the selection of an appro- sion approved the preliminary design in 1999, The memory of America’s World War died and millions supported the war ef- priate site. The National Park Service, the the final architectural plans in 2000, granite II generation will be preserved not just fort from the home front. It illuminates Commission of Fine Arts and the National selections in 2001, and sculpture and inscrip- within the physical memorial, but also the high moral purpose and idealism Capital Planning Commission approved tions between 2002 and 2003. through the World War II Registry of that motivated the nation’s call to arms, selection of the Rainbow Pool site at the Names, an individual listing of Ameri- and was designed to inspire future gen- east end of the Reflecting Pool between PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS cans who contributed to the war effort. erations of Americans, deepening their the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington The World War II Memorial has been Any U.S. citizen who helped win the war, appreciation for what the World War II Monument. President Bill Clinton dedi- funded primarily by private contributions. The both veterans and civilians, is eligible for generation accomplished in securing free- cated the memorial site during a formal fundraising campaign was led by National the registry. People listed on the World dom and democracy. ceremony on Veterans Day 1995. Chairman Senator Bob Dole, a World War II War II Registry of Names will be forever veteran seriously wounded on the battlefield linked to the memorial’s bronze and gran- and twice decorated with the Bronze Star and ite representations of their sacrifice and Purple Heart, and National Co-Chairman Fred- achievement. erick W. Smith. The memorial received more than $193 million in cash and pledges; this to- PLANNING YOUR VISIT tal includes $16 million provided by the federal The World War II Memorial has no fees Chris Oakley Chris government. Nearly 59 years after the end of or reservations associated with a visit. For World War II, the World War II Memorial was planned events dependent upon the activ- dedicated in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, ity and number of participants, a permit May 29, 2004, on Memorial Day weekend. may be required. The public may visit the World War II Memorial 24 hours a day and THE MEMORIAL’S DESIGN rangers are on duty to answer questions The memorial is constructed of bronze from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. and granite. The latter was chosen for its For more information, write: Na- water resistance, smooth aesthetic ap- tional World War II Memorial, 900 Ohio peal, superior strength and durability. The Drive SW, Washington, D.C. 20024; call two principal stones are “Kershaw” for the visitor information at (202) 426-6841; or vertical elements and “Green County” for visit nps.gov/nwwm. the main plaza paving stone. Two green stones—“Rio Verde” and “Moss Green”— SHARE YOUR FAVORITE are used for accent paving on the plaza. PHOTOS WITH US! Sculptures at the memorial include four FOLLOW US! The Rainbow Pool is the centerpiece of the World War II Memorial. bronze columns, four bronze eagles and

34 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 35 BEYOND THE MALL ARLINGTON HOUSE

ARLINGTON HOUSE SLAVE QUARTERS War, Lee was away from his family for The slave quarters were built in the nearly two years. He distinguished him- back of the main house and set at right an- self during this conflict, earning the rank Arlington House was the home of Rob- The North Wing was originally con- gles to the house to form a small service of brevet colonel, and went on to become ert E. Lee and his family for 30 years. As structed in 1802 with a large single court. The North Slave Quarters housed the superintendent of West Point from you take a closer look at his residence, chimney and a hip roof, which was later the carriage driver, Daniel, and his son, 1852 to 1855. Lee also commanded mili- you’ll find that the house weaves a unique changed to include gables and windows. along with the long-time plantation cook tary forces sent to subdue John Brown and fascinating story with associations The exterior was also decorated to match George Clark and his assistant. The South and his raiders at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. to prominent figures, issues and events that of the South Wing, which was con- Slave Quarters were home to Mrs. Cus- Lee died in 1870, two weeks after suffer- in American history. Three of Virginia’s structed in 1804 with a temporary wall, tis’ trusted housekeeper, Selina Gray, ing a stroke. ­influential families are associated with most likely made of wood. The “Middle along with her husband and their eight the house, the Washingtons, Custises House,” already containing the impres- children, who lived in one of the bedrooms THE CIVIL WAR and Lees. The grounds served as a plan- sive portico, was planned at that time with a small loft. The middle room in the It was during the Civil War that Gen- tation estate and home to 63 slaves, a and added in 1818. The Custis family building was used as a smoke house and eral Lee made the difficult decision to re- monument honoring George Washington, lived in the North Wing of the house and the third room housed other slaves who sign from the U.S. Army, after more than a military headquarters, a community entertained guests in the South Wing, worked for the Custis-Lee household. 30 years of service, and assume com- for emancipated slaves and a national where they kept their collection of George mand of Virginia’s military forces. On May cemetery. Washington memorabilia they nicknamed MILITARY 24, 1861, thousands of U.S. Army troops “Washington Treasures.” Custis built his home as a memorial to marched across the Potomac River to ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION General Washington, and it stands as an George Washington Parke Custis, the example of how military traditions played step-grandson of President George Wash- an important role at Arlington House. Cus- ington, had the mansion designed and tis admired the veterans of the Revolu- constructed in honor of our nation’s first tion, featured them in his epic paintings, president. One of the early examples of Mishella/iStock and often hosted them at his home. Greek revival structures, it boasts massive Custis was a veteran himself, serving in columns that span the two stories of the the Federal Army in 1799 prior to the an- house. The design is attributed to the young ticipated war with France that never mate- English architect George Hadfield, who rialized. Custis also served in the militia at had previously worked on the U.S. Capitol the Battle of Bladensburg during the War Building. Most likely, Hadfield also designed of 1812. His experiences during this war the slave quarters in the back of the house. led him to advocate for a better army, and The great portico, which was intended he allowed his estate to be used for mili- by Custis to be as visible from the city as tary training. possible, is 60 feet wide, 25 feet deep and boasts eight massive 23-foot Doric ROBERT E. LEE columns. The slaves of the plantation built Robert E. Lee, celebrated for gain- the house out of handmade brick covered ing the respect of Americans in both the with hydraulic cement, a popular practice North and the South, joined the Arlington in the 19th century. The surface was then household when in 1831 he married Mary, scored and painted to resemble marble Custis’ only surviving daughter. Lee’s mili- and sandstone. This faux finish method is Arlington House was once the home of Robert tary service took him all over the country. still popular today. E. Lee. While serving in the Mexican-American

36 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 37 BEYOND THE MALL ARLINGTON HOUSE BEYOND THE MALL ARLINGTON HOUSE form a defensive perimeter around Wash- former slaves provided memories, rich ington, D.C., and fortify the abandoned Ar- with historical and architectural details, of ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY lington House and plantation. the house and plantation. They also do- In 1862, slavery was abolished in the nated original furnishings that had come District of Columbia. The next year, 17 from the mansion. m01229 acres of the Arlington estate were made into Freedman’s Village, a village for freed PLANNING YOUR VISIT slaves. In 1864, Mrs. Lee failed to pay her Arlington House is located inside Ar- property taxes in person and lost Arling- lington National Cemetery and can be ton. The federal government then pur- reached by a 10-minute walk from the chased the estate and Arlington was used cemetery visitor center and parking area. as a national cemetery for Union soldiers It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oc- killed in the war. tober through February, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arlington House served as the head- March through May, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. quarters of Arlington National Cemetery June through August and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for many years. In 1925, Congressman in September. The memorial is closed Louis Conyers Cramton, son of a Union Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. veteran who fought against Lee, wanted Check with the ranger at the door to see Arlington is the final resting place of diplomats, politicians and servicemembers. to recognize Lee’s efforts to heal and re- if guided tours will be offered during your unite the nation after the war. Cramton visit. In lieu of a free, guided tour, self- Arlington National Cemetery was first des- Infantry (The Old Guard). The changing of the sponsored legislation to restore the house guided tours and audio (cell phone) tours ignated as a military cemetery in 1864 by guard ceremony occurs every 30 minutes to its pre-Civil War appearance. are available. Center Hall, White Parlor Secretary of War . Today it in summer; hourly in winter and every two and Morning Room, the North Wing, mu- stands as a solemn reminder of all those who hours when the cemetery is closed. SLAVERY seums and exhibits may be visited with- have served and defended the U.S. through- The eternal flame at the gravesite of Presi- When Custis took possession of the prop- out a guide. out history. dent John F. Kennedy is another frequent erty in 1802, he brought slaves from Mount The Robert E. Lee Museum at Arling- Located in Arlington, Virginia, the cemetery stop on any tour of the cemetery. Jacque- Vernon with him, who shared valuable mem- ton House is open daily from 8:30 a.m. encompasses 200 acres and is the final rest- line Kennedy lit the flame at President Ken- ories of George and Martha Washington. This to 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, ing place of more 300,000 soldiers, diplomats nedy’s funeral following his assassination on generation of slaves helped to build the Ar- Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. There and politicians. The cemetery holds the re- November 22, 1963. The flame still burns lington House and other buildings on the plan- are no fees associated with this site. Entry mains of veterans from all the nation’s wars— brightly today. tation, and then worked on the estate. to Arlington House and the Robert E. Lee from the American Revolution through Iraq Arlington National Cemetery is open 365 Molly Custis formed the tradition of ed- Museum is free. For more information, and Afghanistan. days a year at 8 a.m. The cemetery closes at 7 ucating slaves that worked on the planta- write: Arlington House, Robert E. Lee The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in- p.m. from April through September; it closes at tion when she assumed the responsibility Memorial, George Washington Memorial scribed with, “Here Rests In Honored Glory 5 p.m. from October through March. Parking at of teacher at the school. Three times a Parkway, c/o Turkey Run Park, McLean, An American Soldier Known But To God,” is the cemetery is $1.75 per hour for the first three week, Molly gave basic lessons to the en- Virginia 22101; call visitor information at one of the most visited sites here. Located hours and $2.50 per hour every hour thereafter. slaved people. She went on to convince (703) 235-1530; or visit nps.gov/arho. near the center of the cemetery, the tomb For additional information, call (877) 907-8585 or her husband to provide for the emancipa- holds the remains of unknown soldiers from visit arlingtoncemetery.mil. tion of the slaves in his will and provided World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Arlington National Cemetery is managed religious education, such as Sunday school WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE Vietnam War. by the U.S. Army. Arlington House, located and Bible studies for the slaves. NATIONAL MALL MEMORIAL? The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 inside Arlington National Cemetery, is man- When the War Department began res- TELL US! days a year by members of 3rd United States aged by the National Park Service. toration of Arlington House in the 1920s,

38 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 39 FORD’S THEATRE & BEYOND THE MALL FORD’S THEATRE & PETERSEN HOUSE move the clot of blood from the opening to the PETERSEN HOUSE wound. A barrier of men had been formed to

keep back the crowds on each side of an open Tim Evanson In the mid-19th century, the nation was Soon after these defeats, other conspira- space leading to the house. Those who went struggling to recover from the ravages of a cies took shape. Booth had intentions to as- ahead reported that the house directly opposite bitter and divisive Civil War. America’s trans- sassinate President Lincoln, while Powell the theatre was closed. I saw a man standing at fer from war to peace was made even more was to kill Secretary of State Seward and the door of Mr. Petersen’s house, diagonally op- difficult on April 14, 1865, when Abraham Atzerodt was assigned to kill Vice President posite, holding a lighted candle in his hand and Lincoln was shot just five days after Gen- . Booth hoped to throw the beckoning us to enter.” eral Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court country into political chaos. Major Rathbone, who had been in the box House. The site of the assassination was with the First Couple and was stabbed trying Ford’s Theatre. He was later carried to the A TRAGIC NIGHT to defend the president, escorted Mrs. Mary Petersen House, where he died early the Booth carried out his plan on April 14, Todd Lincoln across the street. Rathbone, next morning, and became the first American 1865. President Lincoln and his wife Mary bleeding severely from the knife wound in his president to be assassinated. Explore Ford’s were on hand to see a production of “Our arm, collapsed from a loss of blood after arriv- Theatre National Historic Site and discover American Cousin.” During the performance, ing at the Petersen House. some of the motivations behind this tragic act Booth stepped into the president’s box with Outside, guards patrolled the premises and its impact on a nation trying to heal. a gun. His decision to pull the trigger not only all night to prevent onlookers from enter- ended Lincoln’s life, but also altered the na- ing. A parade of government officials and AN ASSASSIN’S DEADLY tion’s power to reconstruct after the war. physicians were granted access to pay re- INTENTIONS Booth escaped into the night as Abraham Lin- spects to the unconscious president. One You can see the box where Lincoln was , a popular actor of the coln was carried to the Petersen House. official, Secretary of the Navy Gideon sitting when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth. day, ended his full-time stage career in May Welles, recorded in his diary: “The giant 1864. The Maryland native wanted to spend THE PETERSEN HOUSE sufferer lay extended diagonally across the AN ATTEMPTED ESCAPE most of his time on his primary interest: sup- After the fatal shots were fired, an entou- bed, which was not long enough for him. His Within hours of Lincoln’s shooting, porting the Confederate States of Amer- rage carrying the mortally wounded presi- slow, full respiration lifted the clothes with Booth fled Washington on horseback and ica. Within months, Booth was working dent proceeded slowly down the staircase in each breath that he took. His features were met Herold on the road. Both men rode actively with Confederate partisans. A plan Ford’s Theatre and exited to a home at 453 calm and striking. I had never seen them into southern Maryland. The pain from the to capture President Lincoln and exchange 10th Street (now 516 10th Street). This ran- appear to better advantage than for the first fractured small bone in Booth’s left leg him for Confederate prisoners of war brought dom home, built in 1849 by a tailor named hour, perhaps, that I was there. After that, his (broken in the escape from the State Box Booth into contact with Dr. , William Petersen, reluctantly found its way right eye began to swell and that part of his at Ford’s Theatre) led Booth and Herold to , his mother Mary, Lewis Thor- into history. Now known as the Petersen face became discolored.” stop at Dr. Mudd’s home for medical aid. ton Powell, , George Atzerodt House, it’s the place where America’s 16th For medical treatment, the physicians On April 26, 12 days after having killed and others with similar sympathies. This plan president died. continually removed blood clots that the president, Booth and Herold were sur- failed when President Lincoln changed his Dr. , age 23, who was at- formed over the wound where the bullet rounded while hiding in a tobacco shed in plans and did not travel where conspirators tending to Lincoln, described the events entered Lincoln’s head. This process re- Port Royal, Virginia. Herold surrendered to were waiting. that followed: lieved pressure on his brain and maintained the Union troops, but Booth held out and This March 17, 1865, failure was quickly “I asked (a guard) to clear a passage to the breathing. However, the external and in- was shot while the shed burned down followed by two major Confederate defeats. nearest house opposite. He had on side arms ternal hemorrhaging continued throughout around him. Richmond, the Confederacy’s capital, was and drew his word. With the sword and word the night. The next day, April 15, 1865, at The other conspirators were soon ar- abandoned to Union troops—and then on of command he cleared the way. We slowly 7:22 a.m., a doctor leaned over the presi- rested. Atzerodt, Herold, Powell and Palm Sunday, April 9, Robert E. Lee surren- crossed the street. It was necessary to stop dent and felt his final breath. Lincoln was Mrs. Surratt were all found guilty and dered his army to . several times to give me the opportunity to re- 56 years old. sentenced to death by . Dr. Mudd

40 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 41 BEYOND THE MALL FORD’S THEATRE & PETERSEN HOUSE FREDERICK DOUGLASS and two others involved in the original site and seen as a tribute to President Lin- capture attempt were sentenced to life coln—regularly produces musicals and plays, NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE in prison. Edman Spangler, who held serving to illuminate both the performing arts Booth’s horse during the assassination, and the diverse, richly nuanced character of “I am not only an American slave, but A VOICE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS was sentenced to six years hard labor. America’s heritage. a man, and as such, am bound to use William Lloyd Garrison hired Doug- In 1869, President Andrew Johnson par- my powers for the welfare of the whole lass, a powerful orator, to speak for the doned the surviving conspirators. PLANNING YOUR VISIT human brotherhood.” Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. A visit to the Ford’s Theatre campus Letter to William Lloyd Garrison As a major stationmaster on the Under- THE AFTERMATH traces the story of Abraham Lincoln’s February 26, 1846 ground Railroad, Garrison helped hun- After William and Anna Petersen died— presidency, assassination and legacy. dreds find their way to freedom. After both in 1871 and without a will—their furni- The campus (museum, theatre, Petersen FATHER OF THE CIVIL slavery was abolished at the close of the ture was sold at auction. William H. Boyd House and Center for Education and Lead- RIGHTS MOVEMENT Civil War, Douglass began his work on recognized the historical significance of the ership) is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 The Frederick Douglass National Historic integrating African-Americans into the furniture and purchased much of it. His pur- p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving Day and Site was established to preserve the home political and economic life of the United chase included the six-foot spool bed upon Christmas Day. and memory of the revered 19th century States. which Lincoln had died, for which he paid Tickets: There is no admission fee for African-American, Frederick Douglass. The Douglass created the North Star, a $80. In 1889, his son, Andrew, who inherited Ford’s Theatre, but tickets are necessary site offers the inspiring history of Douglass weekly abolitionist newspaper that be- this collection, sold it to Charles F. Gunther for entry. A limited number of same-day and his efforts to abolish slavery and fight for came a voice for African-Americans. He of Illinois for the relatively modest sum of tickets—capped at six tickets per person— the rights of the oppressed. His life is a testa- also went on to establish a periodical $5,000. In 1920, the Chicago Historical So- are available at the box office beginning ment to the courage and persistence of those called the Douglass Monthly and used ciety obtained the collection from Gunther’s at 8:30 a.m. Advance tickets may also be who struggled, and continued to struggle, in it to recruit black Union soldiers for the widow; the society has two affidavits by Wil- obtained for $8 each, either at the box of- pursuit of liberty and justice. African-American Fifty-Fourth Mas- liam H. Boyd, which verify the authenticity of fice or online at fords.org. Advance tickets Often referred to as the father of the Civil sachusetts Volunteers. His sons, these items from the Petersen House. are recommended during the spring/sum- Rights Movement, Douglass dedicated his Lewis and Charles, both served in this Today, Ford’s Theatre is not just witness mer season, March through July. life to attaining justice for all, particularly Afri- regiment, which was made up entirely to an infamous act, but also a working theatre Tours: Tours are self-guided and may can-Americans, women and minority groups. of African-American volunteers and was in downtown Washington, D.C. The estab- begin by exploring the museum and the- An abolitionist, human rights and women’s dramatically portrayed in the film Glory. A lishment—designated as a national historic atre at your leisure. Fifteen- to 20-minute rights activist, orator, author, journalist, pub- painting of this event hangs in the front historical talks or plays about the Lincoln lisher and social reformer, Douglass was a hall at Cedar Hill. assassination are presented daily, except visionary dedicated to strengthening diversity Douglass spent the later years of life trying

David between noon and 2 p.m. Following a and freedom from discrimination. to maintain the advances of African-Ameri- visit to the museum and theatre, proceed Douglass was born into slavery in 1818, cans that he had worked so hard to win. He across the street to the Petersen House on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He es- worked for the remainder of his life to oppose and the Lincoln exhibitions at the center. caped from the confines of slavery, fought lynching and support the rights of women. For more information on the historic site, for liberty and served the national govern- visit nps.gov/foth. Note: There are times ment. He served as an advisor to President THE HOME OF FREDERICK when the theatre is closed to the public. Mat- Abraham Lincoln, as a U.S. Marshal of the DOUGLASS inees usually take place on Thursday, Friday, District of Columbia during Rutherford B. Douglass moved to Washington, D.C., Saturday and Sunday afternoons, though re- Hayes’ administration and secretary of the from Rochester, New York, in 1872. He lived hearsals can take place any time or day. Visi- commission of Santo Domingo under Presi- on for a period before moving to tors are urged to check the daily schedule on dent Benjamin Harrison. Douglass served Cedar Hill in 1878, where he lived until his Lincoln was taken from the theatre to the Petersen House, where he was pronounced fords.org to confirm the theatre will be open with the hope of bringing more freedoms to death in 1895. Today, the house is furnished dead. for touring. Performances are not free. African-Americans. to look like it did during Douglass’ lifetime.

42 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 43 BEYOND THE MALL FREDERICK DOUGLASS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE GEORGE MASON The Frederick Douglass National Historic and New Year’s Day. Visitors can tour the Site preserves his belongings and highlights home and grounds and explore the park visi- MEMORIAL his achievements. There are archival collec- tor center during these hours. tions and a museum at Cedar Hill. Reservations: Visitors may not enter the “All men are created equally free and weeks later, Thomas Jefferson would lib- Items from his public life, personal be- home unless part of a ranger-led tour. It is independent, and have certain inherent erally quote from the Virginia Declaration longings, treasured books and gifts tell sto- strongly recommended that individuals and natural rights … among which are the en- of Rights while writing the Declaration ries of Douglass’ active political and warm families make a reservation to guarantee joyment of life, liberty, with the means of Independence. family life. Paintings of friends of the fam- their place on a tour. Reservations may be of acquiring and possessing property, In 1787, at the age of 62 and suffer- ily, places Douglass visited and significant made by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting and pursuing and obtaining happiness ing from a severe case of gout, George events in African-American history are dis- recreation.gov. There is a $1.50 per person and safety.” Mason embarked on the greatest intel- played throughout the house. service charge for reservations. – George Mason lectual journey of his life. The destination Tour times: April through October: 9 a.m., was Philadelphia and the occasion one of PLANNING YOUR VISIT 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m.; GEORGE MASON MEMORIAL the pivotal assemblies in history. Here, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site November through March: 9 a.m., 12:15 p.m., The George Mason Memorial, located in early national leaders and intellectuals is located in Washington, D.C., at 14th Street 1:15 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.; Groups of 10 or West Potomac Park near the Thomas Jeffer- set out to create a framework for the and W Street SE. From April through Oc- more, year-round: 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2 p.m. son Memorial, commemorates the contribu- struggling young nation at the Constitu- tober, the site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, write c/o Ka’mal McCla- tions of an important Founding Father. George tional Convention. From November through March, the site rin, 1411 W Street SE, Washington, D.C. Mason was the author of the Virginia Decla- As the Convention concluded, George is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The site is 20020-4813; call visitor information at ration of Rights, which served as an inspira- Mason refused to sign the Constitution, closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (202) 426-6841; or visit nps.gov/frdo. tion to Thomas Jefferson when he drafted the in part because it failed to protect the Declaration of Independence. Mason later rights of the individual citizen. In 1789, served as a delegate to the Constitutional three years before Mason’s death, Con- Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Perhaps gress amended the Constitution. The Mason’s most noteworthy act was withhold- first 10 amendments were a revised ing his signature from the United States Con- version of the Virginia Declaration of U.S. Marshals U.S. stitution—because the new document did not Rights—the same document drafted by abolish the slave trade nor offer assurance Mason years earlier. Mason deemed essential to protect the indi- vidual from the federal government. PLANNING YOUR VISIT The public may visit the George Mason A FORGOTTEN VISIONARY Memorial, located on East Basin Drive SW, As the Revolutionary War intensified, 24 hours a day. Rangers are on duty to an- George Mason was elected to represent swer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fairfax County at the Virginia Convention daily at the nearby Thomas Jefferson and held in May of 1776. Patrick Henry in- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials. formed the delegates that Congress was Visitors can access the memorial from the instructing each colony to draft its own Smithsonian Metro stop. For more informa- constitution and declaration of rights—and tion, visit nps.gov/gemm. it was Mason, part of a 30-man commit- tee, who drafted the declaration for Vir- SHARE YOUR FAVORITE ginia. The declaration was presented to PHOTOS WITH US! Congress in mid-June, making it the first FOLLOW US! Take a fascinating tour of Cedar Hill, where Douglass lived with his family. Bill of Rights in the country. Just a few

44 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 45 BEYOND THE MALL WHITE HOUSE

WHITE HOUSE The visitor center offers special programs, Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to such as park ranger talks and traveling ex- 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required and hibits, which focus on the rich history of must be made at least 21 days, but not The White House was designed by sions made within its walls over the years. the White House. Ask a park ranger for more than six months, in advance. Re- James Hoban, an Irish-born architect who The White House is a gigantic building, the most current information on these quests must be submitted through one’s won a competition organized by Presi- with 55,000 square feet of space and six programs. member of Congress. All visitors 18 and dent George Washington and Secretary floors. In total, there are 132 rooms with To learn more about the stories behind older must have a government-issued of State Thomas Jefferson in 1792. It was 35 bathrooms, including multiple kitchens, the iconic building, visitors can view a photo ID to be admitted; foreign nation- constructed from 1792 to 1800. Its interior spread throughout the building. 30-minute video “Within These Walls” als must present a passport. Visitors was rebuilt after British soldiers burned it The White House has played host to (closed-captioned for the hearing im- cannot bring in strollers, food or drinks, during the War of 1812. countless important historical events over paired). The visitor center is located at videocameras, pointy objects, aerosol It has been the home of every president the years, including President Franklin D. 1450 Avenue, NW, Wash- cans, weapons or bags of any kind, includ- of the United States since John Adams. Roosevelt’s speech announcing the United ington, D.C. 20230, inside the north end ing backpacks, fanny packs and purses. The exterior of the main structure, despite States’ involvement in World War II. of the Department of Commerce building. No lockers are available. Call the White some additions and minor changes, re- The visitor center is open daily; House Visitors Office 24-Hour Hotline mains much as it was in 1800. The interior WHITE HOUSE VISITOR CENTER 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiv- at (202) 456-7041 for more information. has been completely renovated using the The White House Visitor Center of- ing Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. All visitors should call this number in ad- historic floor plan. It is significant for its fers exhibits, an information and sales vance of their trip to determine if last-min- Federal-style architecture, as a symbol of area, restrooms, telephones, water foun- WHITE HOUSE TOURS ute changes have been made to the tour the presidency and for the important deci- tains and a first aid area—all accessible. White House Tours run Tuesday through schedule. Visit whitehouse.gov for more Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and information. OlegAlbinsky/iStock

Every American president since John Adams has taken up residence in the White House.

46 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 47 BEYOND THE MALL WHITE HOUSE BEYOND THE MALL WHITE HOUSE

THE ELLIPSE events at the White House, such as the PLANNING YOUR VISIT schedules, call (202) 637-7000 or visit , sometimes known as Presi- Spring Garden Tours. It is open daily wmata.com. dent’s Park South, is a 52-acre park lo- from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on GETTING THERE cated just south of the White House. In Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Car: Interstates 66 and 395 provide ACCESSIBILITY 1791, Pierre L’Enfant drew up the first Year’s Day. The closest Metro stations are access from the south. Interstate 495, • Mobility-Impaired/Wheelchairs: plan for the park. The Ellipse was known as McPherson Square and Metro Center. New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, Visitors in wheelchairs or with “the White Lot” due to the whitewashed George Washington Memorial Park- other mobility disabilities use the same wooden fence that enclosed the park. SPECIAL EVENTS way and the Cabin John Parkway pro- visitors entrance and are escorted by ramp During the Civil War, the grounds of the The lighting of the National Christ- vide access from the north. Interstate from the entrance level to the ground floor Ellipse and incomplete Washington Monu- mas Tree is a nearly century-old tradition. 66, Route 50 and 29 provide access and by the elevator from the ground floor ment were used to corral horses, mules and From 1924 to 1953, live trees in various from the west. Routes 50, 1 and 4 pro- to the state floor. cattle, and as campsites for Union Troops. locations around and on the White House vide access from the east. Note: On- • Hearing-Impaired: To u r s f o r The Army Corps of Engineers began grounds were lit on Christmas Eve. In street parking is not available near the hearing-impaired groups of 10 or more work on the Ellipse in 1867. They land- 1954, the ceremony returned to the El- White House. Public transportation is may be requested through one’s member scaped the park in 1879 and planted Ameri- lipse and expanded its focus. Local civic strongly encouraged. of Congress. The Visitors Office TTY is can Elms around the existing portion of and business groups created the “Christ- Public Transportation: The clos- (202) 456-2121. roadway. In 1880, the corps created the El- mas Pageant of Peace.” Smaller trees est Metro stations to the White House • Visually Impaired: Tours for visually lipse from what had been a common dump. representing the 50 states, five territo- are Federal Triangle, Metro Center and impaired groups of 10 or more may be In 1894, they lit the Ellipse roadway with ries and the District of Columbia, formed McPherson Square. Please refer to the requested through one’s member of Con- electric lamps. a “Pathway of Peace.” On December 17, map in the centerfold for Circulator routes gress by letter. Guide animals are permit- In the 1890s, Congress authorized use 1954, President Eisenhower lit the cut and stops. For Metrobus and subway ted in the White House for the tours. of the Ellipse grounds by special groups, tree donated by the people of Michigan. including military encampments and reli- Cut trees continued to be used until 1973. gious meetings. As late as 1990, baseball Central to the season’s celebration is diamonds and tennis courts existed here. the live National Christmas Tree—a Colo- Today, sporting events and demonstrations rado blue spruce from York, Pennsylvania, continue to take place. President’s Park— that was planted on the Ellipse on Octo- which includes the White House, Lafayette ber 20, 1978. The tree stood as a daily Park and the Ellipse—came under National reminder of the holiday spirit and of the Park Service jurisdiction in 1933. tradition each succeeding president has In 1942, during World War II, the National participated in since 1923, until it was up- Our best rates, free nights, perks Park Service gave permission to construct rooted in a wind storm in February 2011. and partner offers at over 1,000 hotels temporary barracks as a special emergency The White House Easter Egg Roll is wartime measure. They were erected on held every April on the South Lawn. Visit the grounds and whitehouse.gov/easter-egg-roll or call on the south side of the Old Executive the White House Visitors Office 24- Office Building. The “White House Bar- Hour information line at (202) 456-7041 racks” were demolished in 1954. to learn about ticketing. The Ellipse Visitor Pavilion has con- cessions, an information area, rest- SHARE YOUR FAVORITE rooms, water fountains and a first aid PHOTOS WITH US! ©2017 RLH Corporation. All Rights Reserved area—all accessible. This facility also is FOLLOW US! used to distribute free tickets for special

48 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | | NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS 49 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

In 1912, more than 3,000 cherry trees temporary arts and culture, natural were donated in the name of the City beauty and the environment, and com- of to our nation’s capital. The Na- munity spirit and youth education are tional Cherry Blossom Festival is an an- offered during this special two-week nual two-week event that celebrates window, most of which are free and springtime in Washington, D.C., and the open to the public. enduring friendship between the people Signature events include the Opening of the United States and Japan. Ceremony, the Southwest Waterfront Fire- The cherry trees grow in three park lo- works Festival, the National Cherry Blos- cations: around the Tidal Basin in West som Festival Parade® and Family Day. Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park and There are also more than 150 daily cul- on the Washington Monument grounds. tural performances by local, national and international entertainers, sports compe- PEAK BLOOM DATE titions and much more. The peak bloom date is defined as To inquire about details surrounding the day on which 70 percent of the blos- the festival, call (877) 442-5666. soms of the Yoshino Cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. Peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions. The trees typically bloom for a period of several days, the Sean Naber Sean duration depending on weather as well.

PLANNING YOUR FESTIVAL VISIT Forecasting peak bloom is almost im- possible more than 10 days in advance, so planning ahead can present challenges. Festival dates are set based on the aver- age date of blooming, and tend to vary by year. It is strongly recommended that you check for periodic updates at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org prior to making arrangements. Another informa- tive resource—which also provides an his- torical timeline—is the National Park Service site, nps.gov/cherry/cherry-trees.htm.

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES A number of creative and diverse ac- The annual blossoming of the cherry trees tivities promoting traditional and con- marks the start of spring.

50 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | PHOTOGRAPHY

The ecosystems of America’s national behavior so that you can be prepared for and state parks and public lands are among what it will do next. the most diverse on the planet—from the • The eyes have it. Capturing your subject’s wetlands of the Everglades to the tem- eyes will lead the viewer into the picture perate rain forests of Olympic National and make your image more impactful. Park and the deserts of Death Valley to Always keep the eyes in focus and try to the mountains of Yellowstone and Grand place them in the power points (the inter- Tetons. For both aspiring and experienced section of rule of third guidelines). photographers, the goal of any trip to a na- • Keep a safe distance. You’ll want to keep tional park is to capture its endemic wildlife. a minimum of 25 yards between you and Taking photographs of animals presents a your subject and more than 75 yards for unique set of challenges. Landscapes cooper- larger predators. That means that you’ll ate; wildlife does not. Not only are animals need a big telephoto lens if you want to get likely to react to a photographer’s presence, up close and personal. but they are also driven by their own instincts • Shoot in burst mode. Instead of taking a and behavior, which can make capturing them single frame, increase the probability that difficult. The tips below will help you com- you’ll capture the behavior, head position or pose better wildlife images of all creatures angle by capturing multiple frames. great and small—from the bison to the tiniest • Be prepared. Wildlife, and particularly hummingbird and everything in between. birds, move quickly and without provoca- • Use a tripod. If you are using a large tele- tion. Practice your panning skills to better AD photo lens, consider investing in a gimbal catch birds when they alight. head, which will make it easier to track your • Timing is everything. The best time to subject. photograph wildlife is during the golden • Know your subject. Before you take out hours—at dusk and dawn—when the light your camera, understand your subject’s is soft and less likely to cast harsh shadows across your subject’s face. • Keep it simple. The easiest way to draw attention to your subject is to use a simple background. Use a shallow depth of field to blur any distracting backgrounds. JPecha/iStock • Aim for the action. Make your image more compelling by capturing your sub- ject exhibiting its natural behavior—fly- ing, hunting, eating or caring for young. The best way to take better photographs is to practice, and you don’t need to go far. Buy a bird feeder and build a studio in your Don’t miss your shot! Be aware of your backyard, where you’ll be able to create surroundings. your own version of A Star(ling) is Born.

52 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | JUST FOR KIDS

BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER By completing a list of activities de- It’s nice to scribed in the Junior Ranger Activity hroe/iStock Book, kids can receive a Junior Ranger badge and get their picture taken with a remove artificial ranger! Pick up an activity booklet at any memorial on the National Mall. ingredients. STOP BY THE WHITE HOUSE At the White House Visitor Center, there is an activity area for children where they can read, write a letter, color hand- outs and play puzzle games. You can also On a winter trip to the National Mall, take time to go sledding on “America’s front lawn”. inquire about the activities taking place It’s kind never in President’s Park, such as interpretive family entertainment that includes live mu- presentations and walks, special events, sical performances, kids’ craft activities, guided tours, exhibits and films that en- cuisine from local restaurants and special to have them gage the public’s interest in the park’s cul- guest appearances. tural history. CELEBRATE THE BIRTH in the first place. CHECK OUT THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS OF THE NATION Visit Washington, D.C., during late Celebrate Independence Day in the na- March and early April to attend the annual tion’s capital by participating in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Check out the Fourth of July events, which include a con- fireworks display and Prelude to the cert, a parade and fireworks display. The Fireworks—a free, three-hour festival of best places to view the fireworks include the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall between 14th Street and the U.S. Capitol, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt

SKLA/iStock Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memo- rial. For more information about Indepen- dence Day events, call (202) 426-6841.

TAKE A BIKING TOUR! Explore the National Mall on a ranger- led bike tour. Tours run Sundays and Sat- urdays from mid-April through August and depart from the Jefferson Memorial. Use a rented paddleboat to explore the Tidal Tours are free, but you must supply your Basin. own bike. Helmets are required.

54 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | IF YOU ONLY HAVE A DAY

Steeped in history, Washington, D.C., is currency and became a focal point of the one of the most significant and fascinating cit- Civil Rights Movement. ies in the nation, if not the world. The National From there, head to the Thomas Jeffer- Mall sits at its epicenter and is flanked by an son Memorial to read the nation-shaping impressive array of monuments, memorials words of one of the most influential found- and museums that are close enough to one ing fathers, which are set in stone. This another that you can see many of them in a domed memorial is stunning both in the single day. The monuments almost never daytime and when it’s lighted at night. close, so stretch your day as long as you can. Learn more about the man that led the United States through the Great Depres- PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIALS sion and World War II at the Franklin The most prominent feature of Washing- Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Despite con- ton, D.C., the Washington Monument, is tracting polio at 39 and becoming partially scheduled to be closed through spring 2019 paralyzed from the waist down, Roosevelt for elevator modernization work. Modeled became one of the most influential leaders after an Egyptian obelisk, its stands 555 in United States history. feet tall and from its peak you to can survey the whole city! WAR MEMORIALS ?? Not far away sits the iconic Lincoln Me- Bear witness to the patriotism, devotion morial, which is famously depicted on U.S. to duty and courage of Korean War veter- ans at the Korean War Memorial, where 19 stainless steel soldiers reflect in the ad- jacent black granite wall engraved with the other faces of the war. Brian Holland Brian Designed to honor the men and women AD who served in the Vietnam War and to move beyond the conflict’s political contro- versies, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is elegant in simplicity, but evokes powerful emotions for anyone who visits.

THE REST OF THE BEST After a leisurely stroll through the Con- WSD-F20 stitution Gardens, continue on to the *1 Original Casio criteri *2 •Drop: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 516.7 Procedure IV. •Random Vibration: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 514.7 Procedure I. •Humidity: Tested in most famous address in the United conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 507.6 Procedure II. •Solar-Radiation: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 505.6 Procedure II. •Non-Operating Altitude: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 500.6 Procedure I. •Operating Altitude: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method500.6ProcedureII. •Non-Operating High Temperature: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 501.6 Procedure I States, 1600 ­—the •Non-Operating Low Temperature: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 502.6 Procedure I. •Temperature Shock: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 503.6 Procedure I-C. •Icing Freezing Rain: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 521.4 Procedure I. (The performance of this instrument has been confirmed under various test environments, but its operation in actual use is not guaranteed for every environment. Freedom from breakage or failure can also not be guaranteed.) •This product conforms to the JIS C 61000-3-2 harmonic electrical current standard. •This product is in conformity with or certified to the Radio Law, White House. Plan in advance so you can Telecommunications Business Law and VCCI. •The screen design shown is correct at the time of development. Actual design may vary. •The final specifications may differ from those shown. *Bluetooth® and Bluetooth SIG are registered trademarks. *Wi-Fi are Wi-Fi Alliance registered trademarks. *Android, Android Wear and other terms are trademarks of Google Inc. *Other service and product names are, in general, trademarks or registered trademarks take a tour of this special building—the hall- of the companies concerned. Watch the Washington Monument’s reflecting mark of Washington, D.C. pool change color with the sunset. protrek.casio.com

56 NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS | B:5.875" T:5.375" S:4.75"

FREEDOM IN EVERY DIRECTION THE ALL NEW 2017 COMPASS B:8.875" T:8.375" AD S:7.75"

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FCA_US Mechanical Size Final Output Size Team Corporate R. Sievert, B. Fernandez, N. Montieth, G. Hammes, J. Polanin, K. Summers, S. Manfrin, S. Koller, C. Scale 1" = 1" Bleed 5.875" w x 8.875" h Ad # FBCJE74907_American_Pk_Nat'l Nieto, E. Ruby, T. Waterloo Trim 5.375" w x 8.375" h Job # P74907 WO# 3 Final Output 100% Safety 4.75" w x 7.75" h Destination(s) Studio PO# 25574 Bleed 5.875" w x 8.875" h American Park National Print_Magazine, , Page, 4/C Bleed Trim 5.375" w x 8.375" h Safety 4.75" w x 7.75" h

File Name P74907_FBCJE74907_American_Pk_Natl.indd Document Path DDB:FCA_US_LLC:Active_Work:FBCJE_Jeep:P74907_FBCJE_Compass:Mechanicals:P74907_FBCJE74907_American_Pk_Natl.indd Revision # 1 Links Fonts Inks Creative Date Created 4-20-2017 12:25 PM MXM_JCP17US4_900Res_V1.psd (CMYK; 2072 ppi; 43.44%), TreadLightlyLogo_White.psd (CMYK; 389 Slug Font Myriad Pro Family Cyan Account Group Saved 4-21-2017 2:27 PM ppi; 18.48%), Jeep_Rev.ai (17.15%) Gotham (Black, Medium; OpenType), Magenta Print Producer [email protected] Printed 4-21-2017 3:20 PM United Italic SemiExt (Bold; OpenType), Yellow Lead Digital Artist emily ruby Print Scale None United Italic Reg (Medium; OpenType) Black Digital Artist emily ruby InDesign CC 2015 Retoucher tom waterloo Notes Proofreader