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Anacostia Park - Washington, DC | |
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Listen! Beneath the bustle of Washington, DC, the song of a meadowlark joins the sounds of friends, families, and fun. Authorized almost a hundred years ago as a multiple use park, Anacostia Park serves as a playground while protecting the natural scenery and water quality of the Anacostia River. The park serves as an example of how far-sighted urban planning serves today's generation as well. |
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Capitol Hill Parks - Washington, DC | |
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Capitol Hill Parks includes those park areas between 2nd Streets NE and SE and the Anacostia River. Included in this group are Folger, Lincoln, and Marion Parks, the Maryland Avenue Triangles, the Pennsylvania Avenue Medians, the Eastern Market Metro Station, the Potomac Avenue Metro Station, Seward Square, Twining Square, Stanton Park, and 59 inner-city triangles and squares. |
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Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail - Various States, VA,MD,DE,DC | |
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Imagine a world of deep, ancient forests, strong, proud people and water teeming with life. Such was the Chesapeake that Captain John Smith and his fellow travelers encountered on their journeys through this "goodly bay" and its rivers. Follow in the wake of Smith's journeys on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, America's first national water trail. |
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Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site - Washington, DC | |
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Imagine a world in which people like you have no written history, or that which has been written is incomplete or distorted. Before Dr. Carter Goodwin Woodson (1875-1950) began his work, there was very little information, and much of that stereotypical misinformation, about the lives and history of Americans of African descent. |
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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Potomac River, DC,MD,WV | |
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Preserving America's colorful Canal era and transportation history, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is 184.5 miles of adventure. Originally, the C&O; Canal was a lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, grain and other agricultural products floated down the canal to market. Today millions of visitors hike or bike the C&O; Canal each ... |
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Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network - Chesapeake Bay Watershed, DC,MD,NY,PA,VA,WV | |
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First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story - early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more. The Bay and its surrounding 64,000 square mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders and recreational ... |
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Civil War Defenses of Washington - Washington | |
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On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. Built by Union forces, these strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. These forts remain as windows into the past in the midst of D.C.’s urban green space, offering recreational, cultural, and natural experiences. |
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Constitution Gardens - Washington, DC | |
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Dedicated in 1976, Constitution Gardens serves as an oasis within the bustling city for visitors, residents and wildlife. A memorial island in the middle of an artificial lake has stones bearing the names and signatures of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Their pledge to freedom exists as a living tribute within this natural setting celebrating the U.S. Constitution. |
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Ford's Theatre National Historic Site - Washington, DC | |
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Ford's Theatre is currently undergoing a major renovation. The Theatre will not be open for public access for several months. Please check back here to see when it will reopen. |
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Fort Dupont Park - Washington, DC | |
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A "park for all seasons" describes the 376 rolling wooded acres that make up one of the largest parks in all of Washington. Picnics, nature walks, Civil War programs, gardening, environmental education, music, skating, sports, and youth programs are among the varied seasonal activities possible at this spacious area east of the Anacostia River. Among the traces of old roadways, oaks, beech, and maples ... |
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." These are the words of our 32nd President, a man who embodied the meaning of the word courage. Despite being stricken with polio at age 39 and paralyzed from the waist down, he emerged as a true leader, guiding our country through some dark times: the Great Depression and World War II. The memorial honors this man, his story, and his era. |
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Frederick Douglass National Historic Site - Washington, DC | |
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The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the most famous 19th century African American. His life was a testament to the courage and persistence that serves as an inspiration to those who struggle in the cause of liberty and justice. Visitors to the site learn about his efforts to abolish slavery and his struggle for rights for all oppressed people. |
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George Mason Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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The George Mason Memorial, dedicated on April 9, 2002, honors the little known but widely felt contributions of an important founding father. The memorial is located in West Potomac Park near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Born in 1725 George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights and later attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787. |
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George Washington Memorial Parkway - DC,MD,VA | |
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This is the "Road to Adventure" - originally designed as a grand gateway and greenway to the Nation's Capital. Here, you can learn about the First President and the development of America. As an oasis amid urban development, the Parkway has a variety of park sites that provide opportunities for everything from quiet contemplation to nature exploration to active recreation. |
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John Ericsson National Memorial - National Mall, DC | |
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During his lifetime, John Ericsson revolutionized several facets of technology. The Swedish-born engineer-inventor is best known for his work during the Civil War when he transformed naval warfare through his design of the iron-plated USS Monitor. The movements of Ericsson's pencil across his drafting board were as crucial to victory as the movements of Lincoln’s armies across battlefields. |
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Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens - Washington, DC | |
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In an age old dance land, water, and wind combine at Kenilworth Park, Aquatic Gardens, and Marsh. Sparkling in the sun on a breezy day, this natural area of Anacostia Park has origins in a 1926 act authorizing parks to preserve forests and natural scenery. The park reflects the history of the nation's rivers and wetlands. Come, join the dance. |
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Korean War Veterans Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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"Freedom is not free." Here, one finds the expression of American gratitude to those who restored freedom to South Korea. Nineteen stainless steel sculptures stand silently under the watchful eye of a sea of faces upon a granite wall—reminders of the human cost of defending freedom. These elements all bear witness to the patriotism, devotion to duty, and courage of Korean War veterans. |
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Lincoln Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States—the Great Emancipator and preserver of the nation during the Civil War—sits immortalized in marble. As an enduring symbol of Freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope. |
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Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site - Washington, DC | |
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Mary McLeod Bethune achieved her greatest national and international recognition at the Washington, DC townhouse at 1318 Vermont Avenue, NW, that is now this Historic Site. It was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and was her last home in Washington, DC. From here, Bethune and the Council spearheaded strategies and developed programs that advanced the interests ... |
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Meridian Hill Park - Washington, DC | |
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Meridian Hill Park is located in northwest Washington, D.C. and is bordered by 16th, Euclid, 15th, and W Streets. It is a 12 acre site situated on an almost perfect north-south axis. Construction of the park was begun in 1914, but it was not until 1936 that Meridian Hill reached the full status of a formal park. In 1933 the grounds were transferred to the National Park Service. Meridian Hill Park ... |
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National Capital Parks-East - Washington, DC | |
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Welcome to National Capital Parks-East! We invite you to journey to parks Beyond the Capital of Washington, D.C. National Capital Parks-East is 13 park sites, parkways and statuary covering more than 8,000 acres of historic, cultural, and recreational parklands from Capitol Hill to the nearby Maryland suburbs. |
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National Mall - Washington, DC | |
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Impressive structures border it, monuments and memorials stand on it, great museums exist near it, and grand trees help shade it, yet the harmony of these things together merely enhances the concept at its very best. The Mall is the heart of the Nation's Capital and of the entire United States of America. Here, the nation celebrates, honors, and demonstrates its commitment to democracy. |
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National Mall & Memorial Parks - Washington, DC | |
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Officially established in 1965, National Mall and Memorial Parks protects some of the older park lands in the National Park System. The areas within National Mall and Memorial Parks provide visitors with ample opportunities to commemorate presidential legacies; honor the courage and sacrifice of war veterans; and celebrate the United States commitment to freedom and equality. |
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National World War II Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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The World War II Memorial commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of "the greatest generation." Friedrich St.Florian's winning design balances classical and modernist styles of architecture, harmonizes with its natural and cultural surroundings, and connects the legacy of the American Revolution and the American Civil War with a great crusade to rid the world of fascism. |
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Old Post Office Tower - Washington, DC | |
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The Old Post Office Tower soars to 315 feet, making it third in height among the buildings of the Nation's Capital. The 270-foot observation level allows visitors an awe-inspiring view of the city and the area. Here also are the century old tower clock and the Bells of Congress. The latter were a Bicentennial gift from the Ditchley Foundation in England. |
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Peirce Mill - Washington, DC | |
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Peirce Mill was built in the 1820's, and operated commercially until 1897. The United States Government acquired the mill as part of Rock Creek Park in 1892. Currently the mill is not operating. It is being preserved and ultimately will be made operable again when sufficient funding for repairs is made available. Peirce Mill is on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site - Washington, DC | |
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Pennsylvania Avenue is among the world's more famous streets. It is known the world over as the heart of the Nation's Capital. America's history has marched, paraded, promenaded, and protested its way along the Avenue. It is no wonder that Pennsylvania Avenue is called "America's Main Street." The Avenue is more than just another city street; it is, rather, America's Ceremonial Way. |
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Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail - the corridor between the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Highlands, DC,MD,PA,VA | |
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The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a partnership to develop a network of locally-managed trails in a corridor between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. As of autumn 2008, 830 miles of existing and planned trails have been recognized as segments of the National Scenic Trail. |
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President's Park (White House) - Washington, DC | |
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Throughout the years President's Park has served many purposes from bosk to bivouac, from a field for infantry drills to a place for inaugural celebrations. With the White House as a back drop, President’s Park over time has played host to suffragettes, freedom riders, anti-war protestors, Easter egg rollers, and participants of festivities surrounding the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. |
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Rock Creek Park - Washington, DC | |
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Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. It offers visitors an opportunity to reflect and soothe their spirits through the beauty of nature. Fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and the ebb and flow of Rock Creek emanate the delicate aura of the forest. |
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Sewall-Belmont House National Historic Site - Washington, DC | |
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Welcome to National Capital Parks-East! We invite you to journey to parks Beyond the Capital of Washington, D.C. National Capital Parks-East is 13 park sites, parkways and statuary covering more than 8,000 acres of historic, cultural, and recreational parklands from Capitol Hill to the nearby Maryland suburbs. |
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The Old Stone House - Washington, DC | |
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In the midst of Washington, D.C., a city of grand memorials to national leaders and significant events, stands an unassuming building commemorating the daily lives of ordinary Americans who made this city, and this nation, unique. The Old Stone House, one of the oldest known structures remaining in the nation's capital, is a simple 18th century dwelling built and inhabited by common people. |
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Thomas Jefferson Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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The words of Thomas Jefferson, some written more than 200 years ago, have shaped American ideals. Today, many of these impressive, stirring words adorn the interior walls of his memorial. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial stands as a symbol of liberty and endures as a site for reflection and inspiration for all citizens of the United States and the world. |
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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Deliberately setting aside the controversies of the war, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the men and women who served when their Nation called upon them. The designer, Maya Lin, felt that "the politics had eclipsed the veterans, their service and their lives." She kept the design elegantly simple to “allow everyone to respond and remember.” |
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Washington Monument - Washington, DC | |
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The Washington Monument is the most prominent structure, as well as one of the earlier attractions, in Washington, D.C. It was built in honor of George Washington, who led the country to independence and then became its first President. The Monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, stands 555' 5 1/8" tall, and offers views in excess of thirty miles. It was finished on December 6, 1884. |
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World War II Memorial - Washington, DC | |
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The World War II Memorial commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of "the greatest generation." Friedrich St.Florian's winning design balances classical and modernist styles of architecture, harmonizes with its natural and cultural surroundings, and connects the legacy of the American Revolution and the American Civil War with a great crusade to rid the world of fascism. |