There are many places people who live in the United States should visit in their lifetime. At the top of that list is Washington DC. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in what is known as the District of Columbia, our nation’s capital city has so much to see and do. So, how do you choose what to see when you visit?
There are several amazing sites and attractions in DC. You could visit for a week and never experience all that there is to do. This list outlines five of the locations that you must see when visiting Washington DC.
Perhaps the most-moving ceremony you will ever watch can be seen at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Located just west of DC across the Potomac River, the National Cemetery used to be the property of Confederate General Robert E. Lee but the Union Army turned it into a cemetery. Several times every day, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the location for the “Changing of the Guard”. Carried out by a very select company of soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment known as the “Old Guard”, this ceremony takes place every hour during the period of October 1-March 31 and every half-hour during the rest of the year.
The Changing of the Guard is carried out with such precision by these soldiers. It is one of the most-popular venues for visitors to DC and those who see it walk away with a feeling of pride and thankfulness for our nation.
Arlington is also where you can find the grave site for a two of our former Presidents, including John F. Kennedy. President William Howard Taft is the other buried here. Robert Peary, the first to the North Pole, is buried here as well as many other famous people, most of whom served in the United States Military.
Arlington is also home to memorials to the Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia and their crews. Both of these were lost in tragic accidents while the Space Shuttle Program was in operation.
Next on the list of “Must See” attractions is the National Archives. Located a block north of the National Mall and very near to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (think Hope Diamond), the National Archives is an often overlook attraction. The sensational movie “National Treasure” focused on a “secret map” on the reverse side of the Declaration of Independence which is available for viewing at the Archives (the Declaration, not the secret map).
The Archives is one of several buildings located in and around Washington DC which is part of the National Archives collection. Millions of documents are stored and are available for research through the Archives, though the most-popular documents are the Declaration, the Constitution of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. All of these are available for viewing at the Archives Building.
The Capitol Building is simply majestic. Standing high above the National Mall, the Capitol Building is the ultimate symbol of American Democracy. The home of the Senate and the House of Representatives, it is located at the east end of the National Mall and is easily seen for miles around.
Rivaled in height only by the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building is an architectural masterpiece of unequaled beauty. Clad in marble and limestone, the building has been finished, redesigned, and refurbished more than a few times. The dome which you now see at the Capitol was added during the late 1850’s into the time of the Civil War. The dome has over eight million pounds of iron in the structure, but you will never see it. The inner rotunda is beautifully adorned with glass and amazing paintings in the lower level and above. Some of what you see appears to be hand-crafted sculpture but is actually paint!
Visiting the Capitol can be difficult during the spring months when many schools are enjoying their class trips in DC. The fall and winter offer the best times to visit. Guided tours are available to the public and last about 90 minutes, including a movie about how our government works.
Sometimes you see something in person that a photo does not do justice for. The Library of Congress is such a place. It is simply stunning. The architecture and paint inside is unequaled in North America. You really have to see it to believe it.
Visiting the Library of Congress is free. There is a tunnel which connects to the Capitol Hill Visitors Center, so during bad weather, you can stay out of the elements.
The Library of Congress (LoC) is really a collection of three buildings, but the Jefferson Building is the one to visit. Located just south of the Supreme Court and east of the Capitol Building, it is one of the best-kept secrets in DC.
Congressmen frequently use LoC as the source of information for important projects or bills. Regular citizens can also utilize the Library, but a card is necessary for entry into the study rooms or main areas. You can apply for one when you visit.
The most-powerful residence in the world tops off our list. The White House is historical, beautiful and certainly not without controversy. Regardless of any political affiliations, the White House is worth visiting even if it is the most-difficult ticket to get in DC.
Visiting the White House is normally possible only through your United States Senator or Representative. Applications for visits are required and take up to three months to approve. Often visitors do not find out if they were approved for a visit until a few days before their arrival, so have some flexibility built into your itinerary.
The first resident of the White House was the second President of the United States, John Adams. He did not move in until the end of his only term as President. Thomas Jefferson was able to spend his entire time in office at the White House. The residence was first called the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901. Before then it was called by several names including the “President’s Palace”, the “President’s House”, and the “Executive Mansion”.
One other point of interest is that the original House was burned by the British during the War of 1812. The Residence gets its white color from paint over the sandstone walls.
For those who are unable to visit the White House, the White House Visitors Center is located nearby and has many historical photos and other exhibits which tell the story of the President’s home.
There are so many great attractions in Washington DC. Monuments, memorials, museums historic sites and Federal Government Buildings are all available. Plan your visit soon and let us know your top five DC attractions.
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