Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. US BOTANIC GARDEN
Long valued by Capitol Hill residents as a quiet retreat, the Botanic Garden con-
servatory is home to some 4,000 living plants that have been arranged into themes
and biosystems, such as Plant Exploration, Jungle, Oasis, and Medicinal Plants. The
wedge-shaped National Garden, situated to the west of the Conservatory, includes
glorious colorful outdoor displays. The main court is a wonderfully fragrant spot and
a perfect place to sit and rest (for further details see
US Botanic Garden
).
On the
Capitol grounds at Maryland Ave and 1st St, SW • 202 225 8333 • Open 10am-5pm
daily • Dis. access • Free
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7. BARTHOLDI PARK AND FOUNTAIN
Another oasis for Capitol Hill visitors, this immaculate park is bursting with flowers
and ornamental plants. Its symmetrical design radiates out from the fine Gilded
Age cast-iron
Bartholdi Fountain
, a three-story high construction of supple human
forms, European-style lights, and a non-stop flow of water.
1st St & Washington
Ave, SW • Dis. access • Free
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8. SEWALL-BELMONT HOUSE
Built in 1750 and expanded into its current mansion size in 1800, this house is one
of the most historic in Washington. It is thought that one past resident, Albert Gal-
latin, Treasury Secretary for Jefferson and Monroe, may have worked out the finan-
cial details of the Louisiana Purchase - which nearly doubled the size of the United
States - here. The house was the only private residence burned during the
War of
1812
because only from here did Americans fire on the invading British. The com-
pletely rebuilt home was bought by the National Women's Party in 1929 and remains
their home today. Visitors can see the elaborate but homely period furnishings of the
house's past, as well as the museum's fascinating collection of objects and documents
fundamental to the suffragist and feminist movements in the United States, and the
oldest feminist library in the US (for further details see
Sewell-Belmont House
)
.
144 Constitution Ave, NE • 202 546 1210 • Tours noon-4pm Wed-Sun • Donation
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