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Visiting Washington, D.C. - Your Nation's Capital

I hope that you enjoy your time in Virginia's 8th District and our Nation's Capitol.

There are many points of interest to visit throughout this area. I have compiled a list of places you may wish to visit.

Wash Monument    Capitol   Iwo Jima

Maps of Washington, DC

Map of the Washington, DC Metro System

Arlington National Cemetery 
Established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Custis Lee, a descendant of Martha Washington, Arlington National Cemetery is the nation's most well-known military cemetery. Situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the cemetery is located next to the Pentagon. Veterans from all the nation's wars are interred in the cemetery, from the American Revolution through the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pre-Civil War dead were re-interred after 1900. Arlington National is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, marking the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.

Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden is run by the Congress of the United States. It is located in Washington, D.C., on the U.S. Capitol Grounds campus near Garfield Circle. The facility is divided into separate rooms, each one simulating a different habitat.

It features rare and exotic flora found around the world.

Bureau of Printing and Engraving 
The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is an agency of the United States Department of the Treasury that prints Federal Reserve notes for the Federal Reserve and produces a variety of other government security documents.

Federal Bureau of Investigation
 
The FBI is the National Headquarters for the nation's premier crime fighting agency.

Ford's Theater and Lincoln Museum 
The location where President Abraham Lincoln was shot in 1865 also features a museum dedicated to his memory.

Gadsby's Tavern 
A restaurant and museum full of local history. Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808. Mr. Gadsby's establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided by tavernkeepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.is honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

Georgetown 
Old Stone House, oldest standing house in Washington, west of Rock Creek Park. Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 3051 M Street, N.W. (202) 426-6851.

Great Falls
Great Falls Park, a site that is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, is an 800 acre park located along the Potomac River 14 miles upriver from Washington D.C. The park is known for two things, its scenic beauty at the head of Potomac River fall line and the historic Patowmack Canal.

Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history, and serves as this country's memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust.

Jefferson Memorial 
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.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 
President Kennedy's words resonate more strongly than ever for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the 21st century. As always, the Center continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages.

Library of Congress 
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with more than 130 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 29 million books and other printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 58 million manuscripts.

Lincoln Memorial 
"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.

Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until General Washington's death in 1799. He worked tirelessly to expand his plantation from 2,000 acres to 8,000 and the mansion house from six rooms to twenty one.

National Aquarium 
Located in the heart of Washington, the aquarium features a wide array of marine life for the public to enjoy.

National Archives 
Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever. Those valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you want to see if they contain clues about your family's history, need to prove a veteran's military service, or are researching an historical topic that interests you.

National Gallery of Art 
The mission of the National Gallery of Art is to serve the United States of America in a national role by preserving, collecting, exhibiting, and fostering the understanding of works of art, at the highest possible museum and scholarly standards.

National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum, a Smithsonian Institution museum, is located in the old Post Office building next to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The Museum was created by an agreement between the Smithsonian Institution and the United States Postal Service in 1990 and opened to the public in 1993.

Newseum
The world's first interactive museum of news - the Newseum - opened in Arlington, Va., in 1997. Its mission was simple: to help the public and the news media understand one another better. The Newseum has closed its Arlington, Va., facility while it prepares to relocate to Washington, D.C.

Old Stone House
Located in Rock Creek Park, the Old Stone House is one of the oldest known structures in the nation’s capital.  Built in the 18th century, the house today commemorates the lives and customs of the District’s residents during earlier times in the city’s history.

Pentagon
Located just outside D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, The Pentagon serves as the headquarters and command center for the U.S. Department of Defense.  Built in 1941-1942, the complex houses over 23,000 military and civilian employees, and is the highest-capacity office building in the world.  

Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum complex, and is comprised of a wide variety of museums and galleries in and around Washington.  The Smithsonian’s major locations around Washington are:

International Spy Museum
One of Washington’s newest attractions, the Spy Museum thrusts visitors into a world of espionage and secret identities.  The museum’s exhibits allow visitors to see how espionage has developed through history, how spies are trained, and the role intelligence played in the Cold War.  Located at 800 F Street, NW.

U.S. State Department
The Department of State is the Cabinet agency of the United States responsible for diplomacy and interrelations with foreign countries.  Though the Department maintains missions throughout the world, it is headquartered in Washington in the Harry S. Truman building.  Located at 2201 C Street, NW.

U.S. Supreme Court
The highest judicial body in the United States, the Supreme Court is the top level of the nation’s judicial branch.  Comprised of nine justices, the Court is responsible for interpreting the constitutionality of United States laws and reviewing the decisions of lower courts.  Located at: 1 First Street, NW.

U.S. Treasury Department
The Department of the Treasury is responsible for the printing and minting of U.S. currency, as well as the overall management of government revenue.  The Department also collects all federal taxes through the Internal Revenue Service.  Located at: Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, NW.

U.S. Capitol
One of the most well-known buildings in the world, the U.S. Capitol houses the Senate and House chambers of the Legislative branch.  First constructed in 1793, the Capitol’s location divided the city of Washington into the four quadrants that still exist today.  Visitors may go on tours of the building which will give them an insight into both the legislative process and the vast architectural history of the building.  Located at 1st Street SE and Independence or Constitution Avenues.

U.S. Naval Observatory
Established in 1830, the U.S. Naval Observatory is one of the oldest scientific agencies in the country.  Today the Observatory is a leading authority in global positioning systems (GPS), calculating star and planet orientations, and obtaining astronomical data.  Located at: 34th and Massachusetts Ave, NW.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Adjacent to the National Mall, the Memorial honors the fallen or missing U.S. troops from the Vietnam War.  Constructed in 1982, the monument is a solemn tribute to the memory of the over 58,000 troops listed on its walls.  The Memorial receives close to 3 million visitors each year.  Located on the National Mall, near Constitution Avenue and 21st Street.

Washington Monument
Located across the National Mall from the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument commemorates the legacy of the United States’ first President.  Standing over 555 feet, the Monument is one of the tallest mortar-based structures in the world.  Located on the National Mall, near Constitution Avenue and 14th Street.

The White House
The official residence and workplace for the President of the United States, the White House is one of the primary icons of the nation’s Executive Branch.  The White House complex includes the Executive Residence, the West Wing (office for the President and staff), and the East Wing (office for the First Lady).  The building is also adjacent to the Lafayette Park and the Ellipse, the three of which form “President’s Park.”  Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Located outside of Washington in Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap offers a picturesque outdoor venue for a variety of performances.  The venue’s unique schedule includes plays, opera, musicals, symphonies, jazz, ballet, and a host of others.  Located at: 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA.

National Zoological Park
Also part of the Smithsonian system, the National Zoo offers visitors a chance to see an amazing variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects.  The Zoo is especially renowned for its Amazonia exhibit, great cats, and its famous giant pandas.  Located at the base of Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo emphasizes the importance of both conservation and education for audiences young and old.  Located at: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW.

 

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