Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hike
Certainly the most-recognized structure in the capital city is the 555-foot-high Washington Monument,
built to honor the nation's first president. You will notice that about one-third of the way up the monu-
ment, the color of the marble changes slightly. The construction began in 1848, but was halted during
the Civil War. When the builders returned in the 1870s to the same quarry for more marble, enough
time had passed to change the color slightly, creating this unusual mark on the obelisk. To ride to the
top of the monument, free tickets can be acquired through the National Park Service.
As you continue past the monument, walk down a hill to the World War II Memorial. Dedicated in
2004, this expansive site pays tribute to those who fought and died in that war. The memorial is sur-
rounded by fifty-six pillars, which represent the District of Columbia and the US states and US territ-
ories existing at the time of the war. In the center is a large fountain, a perfect place to sit, especially
on a hot day.
From the World War II Memorial, walk along the far right side of the mall (not along the reflecting
pool) toward the Lincoln Memorial. On your left will be a small lake. Turn left at the marked entrance
to Constitution Gardens, taking the path that leads to a small island in the lake. Dedicated during the
bicentennial, the island displays fifty-six stones, each with an etched replica of a signature on the De-
claration of Independence. Constitution Gardens provides a quiet respite from the busy mall and is a
cool spot in the hot summer.
Return to the path and turn left toward the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on your left. Walk past this
somber wall that lists the name of each person killed in the conflict. At the end is a statue of three ser-
vicemen.
From the Vietnam memorial you can walk straight to the Lincoln Memorial. The structure is sur-
rounded by thirty-six columns, representing the thirty-six states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's
death, and inscribed on the interior walls are some of his speeches, including the most famous Gettys-
burg Address. Spend some time here with the large seated statue of the sixteenth president. Lincoln
was a great advocate for the deaf, and, if you look closely, you can see that his hands are displaying
the sign language letters “A” and “L.” From the Lincoln Memorial steps, many notable speeches and
rallies have taken place; perhaps most famous is Martin Luther King's “I Have a Dream” speech.
Head to the right of the steps toward the Korean War Memorial. Nineteen statues of soldiers of
many races stand as if they are marching up a hill and these statues are reflected on a granite wall, cre-
ating thirty-eight soldiers representing the Thirty-Eighth Parallel. The wall is etched with the faces of
many who contributed to the war effort, including nurses, doctors, and clerks.
Continue on the path back toward the Washington Monument. Pass by the Sylvan Theater, where
free concerts and plays are offered throughout the summer. Cross the monument grounds and 15th and
14th Streets and return to the Metro stop and trailhead.
