The National Mall

Today’s exciting student travel attraction is NUMBER THREE on the Forbes Traveler list of most visited attractions in the nation.  But with a name like “the National Mall,” that seems only fitting.

Hopefully you know what the National Mall comprises – at least in part – or that you at least recognize this photo (by morrissey on Flickr) as the beautiful stretch of Washington D.C. flagged by the powerful Washington Monument (that tall thing in the middle), famous for monuments and memorials of great prominence, and famous as the scene for some of the most important demonstrations in history, including the famous speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.

The National Mall is the name given to a space of D.C. even bigger than pictured here as some people use it to encompass Capitol Hill, the White House, and other D.C. government and historical sites.  This prominent rectangle is the gist of it though.  This picture was probably taken from somewhere on the grounds of Capitol Hill.  You can see the statue of Ulysses S. Grant in the foreground.  In front of the Washington Monument, you may be able to make out the flag poles at the beautiful World War II Memorial.  Beyond the tall pillar-like monument (did you know the shape is technically obelisk? And that due to zoning rules it will probably remain the tallest structure in the city forever?), you can see Lincoln’s prominent, famous memorial as well.  

These grounds also contain memorials to the Vietnam and Korean wars as well as the Jefferson memorial and that of Franklin D. Roosevelt.  They are all beautiful in their own right, powerful glimpses of history and of America’s amazing heritage, and you should see them illuminated at night!  This destination is a popular one for a reason.  There is so much to see here and celebrate about our amazing country, its successes, conflicts and heroes.  Plus, just beyond its pretty historic spaces rest our modern-day government facilities in all their own historic glory but with powerful prominence still today.  

The National Mall is an extremely moving experience – beautiful, powerful, and inspiring – and it should be number ONE on your list for excellent educational tours.

Related posts:

1. A Fountain and a Memorial in Washington D.C.
2. The Old Post Office in Washington D.C.
3. Ideas for NYC and Washington DC combination tour
4. Philly and D.C. for Educational Tours
5. The Memorials Illuminated