Washington DC is the capital of the United States of America. Within the city limits of this politically beating heart of America are many historical and scientific sites. Think of all the government buildings such as ‘the White House’, US Capitol, Thomas Jefferson Building, NASA Headquarters, Ronald Reagan Building and the Eisenhower Executive Building. The most interesting part of the city is the ‘National Mall’. Here the prominent buildings of the city are centered together, followed by this park full of museums, monuments and water features. The historic Georgetown neighborhood in the northwest of the city is definitely worth a visit, as are Chinatown and Eastern Market in the Capital Hill neighborhood. Check necessaryhome for a list of U.S. cities starting with V.
Washington DC ‘s Top 10 Attractions
The White House
Everyone knows him from a movie. The White House is the official residence of the reigning president. The 1800’s building is located in President’s Park on Pennsylvania Avenue. It was designed by the Irishman James Hoban. Spread over 6 floors are 35 bathrooms, 132 rooms, 28 fireplaces and over 400 doors.
US Capitol
This huge structure is located near the White House. It is separated from it by the National Mall. The United States Senate and Congress sit in the Capitol. The huge white dome can be seen from afar. The diameter is at least thirty meters. On the inside is a fresco painted entitled ‘The Apotheosis of Washington’. The Capitol is inspired by Roman architecture.
National Mall
Contrary to what the name suggests, we are talking about a park here. This national park is located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. Within this area are a number of museums, such as the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Ar Sculpture Garden, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institute Building, and the Museum of African Art. The long rows of trees give it a beautiful green character.
Washington Monument
This obelisk is separated from the Capitol by the National Mall. Although the design is by Robert Mills, it was not completed until thirty years after his death. It is true that the design has been modified on several points. The civil war that took place during construction contributed to the delay.
The monument is placed to commemorate the first president George Washington. The total height of the monument is almost 169 meters. The monument can be viewed from the inside.
Ford’s Theater and Petersen House
Although this theater presents masterful plays, it is more famous for the assassination attempt on President Abraham Lincoln. In 1865 he was shot during a performance. In the opposite Petersen house he died in the morning after he was brought there. Both buildings are now known as Ford’s Theater National Historic Site.
Washington National Cathederal
The beautiful Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is on the list of the largest cathedrals in the world. The foundation stone was laid in 1907 and it was completed in 1990. Every effort has been made to give the cathedral as much allure as possible down to the smallest details. With different Gothic styles, a special building has been erected here, which has a medieval appearance.
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
This majestic building is located on 17th Street west of the White House. It is actually the work address of the reigning president and his associates. It was built between 1871 and 1888 in an Imperial style. It has been built for seventeen years with products such as granite, steel, cast iron and slate to give this building the allure it amply exudes today. Many historical events have been discussed, conceived and executed within the walls of this building.
Smithsonian Institution
Within this institute, research and education are high on the list of priorities. Majority of the facilities covered by this institution can be found on the National Mall. There are some very interesting museums such as the National Museum of American History. But it’s not just history. Much attention is also paid to art and, for example, the animals in the National Zoological Park. After his death, the British mineralogist and chemist James Smithson left a considerable amount of money to the government of America to share his knowledge and science with the people. This Smithsonian Institute has been open since 1846.
Chinatown
In the east of the city lies this relatively small multicultural part of Washington. In addition to the many Chinese, Indian, Indian and other delicious restaurants, there are small shops, a Chinese gate and colorful art objects. The most special attractions in the area are: the Friendship Archway (Chinese Gate), Penn Quarter (nightlife area with many art galleries) and the annual Chinese New Year Parade.
Arlington National Cemetery
This military cemetery was created during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. The 624-acre site is divided into 70 sections. In addition to the many military victims and veterans, the grave of John F. Kennedy and his family and his brother Edward F. Kennedy is also located here.
