The significance of Washington’s many awe-inspiring monuments, and those to whom they were dedicated, can be an encapsulated American history lesson for one last summer fling with the kids.
Further, there is an attractive and practical side to “monument-hopping”, according to Carla Barry-Austin, media relations manager for Destination DC.
“The Washington [Monument], Lincoln, Vietnam, Jefferson [memorials] and the Capitol Building are all admission-free,” she said.
The Washington Monument, at 555 feet high, is easily the Capital’s most impressive landmark. Completed in 1884 and shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, it was constructed in honor of George Washington. On a clear day, visibility from the top averages 35 miles, a fact evident in the squeals of delight from children looking down and out at the panoramic view.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., free tickets must be picked up at a kiosk at the base of the monument, which opens daily at 8:30 a.m., and are on a first-come, first-serve basis for the entire day.
On the west end of the National Mall, in a direct line with the Capitol and the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial (which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.) is a Neo-Classical architectural tribute to our 16th president. Like a Greek Temple, its 38 fluted Doric columns offer welcome to north and south chambers containing carved inscriptions of Lincoln’s second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address. Enshrined in the center hall, the solitary, carved figure of Abraham Lincoln — 19 feet high — sits in deep contemplation. Open to the public in 1922, the monument has hosted many historic gatherings over the years. It was the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech in 1963.
Just east of Arlington National Cemetery is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is open 24 hours.
For visitors’ convenience, Barry-Austin recommends parking the car and wearing comfortable shoes.
“Take the Circulator,” she advised. “The fare is $1.”
The bright red and silver Circulator buses run every 10 minutes from stops all over town, dropping riders off in front of monuments and attractions. All-day passes also can be purchased.
“For public touring, there are Open Top Sightseeing and Tour Mobile tours,” said Julie Saunders, a local hotel concierge. “I also recommend that guests do a night tour of the monuments and Capitol. It is iconic and memorable.”
IF YOU GO
• What: The monuments of Washington, D.C.
• Driving distance from Baltimore: 40 miles
WEB EXTRA
Visit these useful Web sites to help plan your trip to Washington, D.C.
www.nps.gov
www.washington.org
www.dccirculator.com
www.opentopsightseeing.com
MAKE THE CALL
DC Visitor Information Bureau: 1-202-289-8317
