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October 15, 2020

Washington D.C. The National Mall
Photo Courtesy of Ed Schipul

May 7

The Washington Monument


This is the 500+ foot obelisk that stands at the center of the national mall. The monument was built to honor the most important founding father, George Washington himself. It’s free to ride the elevator up to the top and get a bird’s eye view of D.C.

Lincoln Memorial


The Lincoln Memorial is built on the other side of the Reflection Pool. The building was created to honor our great President Lincoln, who ended the Civil War and put an end to slavery. In the middle of the entrance sits a massive statue of President Lincoln.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Located to the south of the Washington Monument, across the Tidal Basin is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Thomas Jefferson was the main author for the Declaration of Independence. He was also one of the Founding Fathers for our great country. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the one to issue the construction in honor of the innovative man.

World War II Memorial

Situated in between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial is the World War II Memorial. Dedicated to more the more than 400,000 soldiers that died and the 16 million who served during the dark times of World War II. Pay your respects to the brave men who served to end global disaster.

Korean War Veterans Memorial


“The Forgotten War.” That’s what most people call the Korean War. It depicts soldiers walking through grasslands. Click here to read about the impact the war had on individuals. The memorial is located a very short walk Northeast of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington D.C. contains many war memorials. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a wall engraved with the names of the fallen soldiers in Vietnam, much like World War II.

“ If you are able , save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.” – Major Michael Davis O’Donnell

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial


If you walk south from the middle of the Reflection Pool you’ll encounter the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, built recently in 2011. While soldiers were fighting in Vietnam, Martin Luther King Jr. was fighting for civil rights here at home. His most famous speech was given in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

National Air and Space Museum

Like most the museums located in the National Mall, the National Air and Space Museum is part of the massive Smithsonian Institute, the largest museum in the world. The museum has one of the largest aeronautical collections in the world as well. It houses aircraft dating back to the Civil War era (surveillance balloons). In addition, the institution played a pivotal role in the development of rocketry.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

This was the first museum to dedicate itself to showcasing contemporary art at the National Mall. The museum has countless styles and mediums of art to enjoy as you peacefully walk around.

National Gallery of Art


Andrew W. Mellon gave the National Gallery of Art to Washington D.C. as a gift. Secretary of the treasury Andrew Mellon believed the US should have an art museum, which would rival other developed countries. The collection includes Italian, Netherland, and other classic paintings from around the world. Not only does the museum have paintings, but it also showcases sculptures, decorative art, media arts, drawings, prints, and photographs.

National Museum of the American Indian

Sadly, the US, in its early years, committed numerous crimes against the American Indian. In commemoration of their hardships, culture, and history, the US built the National Museum of the American Indian, located in the far east of the National Mall. The museum at the National Mall is actually one of three. The Washington D.C. facility gives performances, lectures, galleries, and research/education.

National Museum of American History

There really is no place like home. Speaking of Dorothy, her ruby slippers are just one of the many interesting exhibits within the National Museum of American History. There’s even the original star spangled banner. The museum’s mission is to teach Americans about the past, so that we can move into the future with enthusiasm and curiosity. Definitely, a must visit during a trip to Washington D.C.

National Museum of Natural History


The history of cultures is pretty interesting, but if you’re looking for the bigger picture, then the National Museum of Natural History is the place to go. Rather than looking at history for the past couple hundred years, it looks at the history of the world. That includes, dinosaurs, bugs, plants, photographs, artifacts, sea life, and just about anything else in the natural world. The museum is located in between the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building, on the north side of the mall.

Check Out: 7 Fun-Packed Things To Do in Washington DC