This time our US road trip led us to the heart of America's history: the National Mall in Washington DC. This iconic stretch of green is not just a park; it's a stage upon which the nation's most significant events, monuments, and ideals are showcased. We arrived from our New York roadtrip in the nation's capitol. And that on the 4th of July! Fireworks would be the climax of our one-day visit.
DC was founded in 1800 on land from Maryland and Virginia, with the DC standing for District of Columbia. Columbia refers to Columbus, the explorer who did not discover America (the Vikings from Northern Europe were here already in 900 AD), but stumbled upon the Bahamas. The Americans however, around the time of declaring independence, were so fed up with the English, that they named everything after Columbus (an Italian sailing under Spanish flag) just to annoy them. Before I wander off too much, let's talk about the National Mall!
The National Mall
Close to Washington DC downtown, the National Mall is a 1.3 mile / 3km long grassy landscaped park stretches between the US Capitol on the east and the Lincoln Memorial on the west, borders the White House, and many memorials and museums. It is administered by the National Park Service and receives over 24 million visitors each year. This includes my children, as most schools take their students for a trip to the epicenter of national government and history.
Let me tell you about the 5 things that stood out for us:
1. The National Capitol
The National Mall's centerpiece is none other than the United States Capitol itself. The Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, which consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is the building where lawmakers from across the country gather to debate, draft, and pass legislation that shapes the nation's laws and policies. For us, expats from the Netherlands, it was very cool to see and learn about it, as it is for the millions of Americans traveling to DC every year.
The dome is iconic and a unique American building type. Most of the 50 State Capitols have applied the same architecture. The Capitol is open for the public, though security measures are much tighter since the events on January 6, 2020. I can recommend to book a tour to visit the building, the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall.
2. The White House
A 40 minute walk away (to indicate how big The National Mall is) is another American icon: the White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Completed in 1800, John Adams, the second President of the United States, became its first resident. Every American President since has lived and worked there, including the 46th President Joe Biden.
We viewed the building from the 'Elipse' field and later also from Pennsylvania Ave. It was a bit surreal, to suddenly see it in real life, the place that holds so many of iconic names used around the world: the Oval Office, the West Wing, the Rose Garden, the Press Briefing Room,
3. Lincoln Memorial
After another 20 minutes walking west (or a few minutes with a scooter), we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial. While all buildings at the National Mall are impressive, we found that this one stood out. The larger-than-life statue of President Lincoln gazes upon the Reflecting Pool, a testament to the leadership and the ideals of Abraham Lincoln who played a pivotal role in preserving the nation during the Civil War and in advancing civil rights. The words of some of his famous speeches are etched in stone along the stairs.
The idea for the Lincoln Memorial was first suggested shortly after Lincoln's assassination in 1865, but it wasn't until decades later that the memorial was built. The memorial's design reflects a Doric temple, with 36 columns representing the 36 states that existed in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death.
4. Korean and Vietnam Memorials
The Lincoln Memorial is flanked by two poignant memorials, the Korean and Vietnam Memorials. The Korean Memorial's stainless steel statues of soldiers, while the Vietnam Memorial's black granite wall bears over 58,000 names of all soldiers who lost their live in the Vietnam War.
We visited the memorials in the evening, and they were both impressive. The dark gave especially the statues of the soldiers a lifelike look and the memorial a poignant atmosphere.
5. Bonus: 4th of July Fireworks on The National Mall
There is too much to see on and around the National Mall. The one day we had did not do it justice. Please, consider at least two days and spend time in some of the great museums: the National Museums of American and African-American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of the American-Indian.
We did not have time for it, but we were right on time for the annual Independence Day Fireworks on the 4th of July! Together with thousands of people, we lounged on the grass and were treated with one of the best firework-shows we had ever seen.
It is tough to plan, but as you can imagine, it is very special to be right there on the 4th of July.
Tips for Visiting the National Mall
1. Plan Ahead:
Research the opening hours and any potential closures of attractions you plan to visit. The National Mall and the Memorials are all open and free. Some sites, like the Capitol and White House, require advance planning due to security protocols. For some of the Museums I recommend booking a ticket online to avoid waiting times.
2. Parking:
Parking can be limited and expensive in the area. Consider parking outside of downtown, and then using Uber or the efficient public transportation options available in Washington DC.
3. Take Guided Tours:
History and Government are essential elements of visiting the National Mall. You get most out of it by booking guided tours.
4. Stay Hydrated and Comfortable:
The National Mall involves a LOT of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. We visited DC in June, and it was 92 Fahrenheit / 33 Celsius 🥵. Did I already mention that you need to walk a lot?
Links
Prepare for The National Mall with National Park Services info
Find the Museums on The National Mall in Washington DC
Plan a visit to the US Capitol building
