
“Monuments and archaeological pieces serve as testimonies of man’s greatness and establish a dialogue between civilizations showing the extent to which human beings are linked.” ~ Vicente Fox
The National Mall
After joyously caffeinating ourselves, Sarah and I headed to The National Mall. On maps, everything looks far apart, but it didn’t seem it when we were walking. Though we did end up doing 24 and a half miles in 36 hours, so it could be we are just use to walking as New Yorkers, or the fact that time evaporates whenever Sarah and I get together.
The name, “The Mall” has always confused me. Perhaps it is a testament to my shopaholic status, but when I was a kid, I legit thought it was an actual mall. I didn’t realize until I was older that the word “Mall” also means a grassy piece of land or promenade.
Alas there is no Nordstrom Rack or Athropologie at The National Mall. Instead, it is an almost two mile (from the Capital steps to the Lincoln Memorial) long park that is home to historical landmarks, monuments and the most important government buildings in the United States.
History
Originally suggested in 1791 by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, and known as the L’Enfant plan, the military engineer envisioned a garden lined avenue that would lay between the capital and a statue commemorating George Washington.
While it was never constructed, L’Enfant laid the ground work for the Mall as it is today, with the Washington Monument standing where he had envisioned the statue.
Over the next eighty years several architects worked to construct and create a place that would be used for gatherings, preservation, and to honor the country. In 1802 architect Matthew Carey became the first to coin the term “The Mall.”
Owned by the National Park Service, The Mall has had several major renovations over the years because of DC’s changing landscape, as well as commitment to pay tribute and memorialize pivotal figures and moments in our country’s history.
The United States Capital Building
Located at the Eastern end of The Mall, The Capital was commissioned in 1793 and was the combined efforts of several architects. Like many important government buildings in DC, it has Grecian and Roman designs, though The Capital was influenced by two more modern Neoclassical structures, the Louvre and Paris Pantheon in France. It was a homage to the strong friendship the US had with France at the time.
The Capital Building is home to the legislative branch of the US government and is one of, if not the most, important buildings in the US. It is an American symbol that is truly the focal point of DC, being seen miles away.
I admit, I never realized quite how magnificent the Capital was until I saw it up close. Every architectural detail is symbolic, beautiful, and powerful. It is a work of art and I could have spent hours memorizing every marble groove, it was that awe-inspiring.
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is a homage to the first president of the United States, George Washington. Begun in 1848 and finally opened in 1888, It is the worlds tallest stone structure and obelisk standing at 554 feet. Due to a lack of donations and the start of the Civil War, it took years to complete the hollowed structure.
With stairs, and later an elevator, people could go to the top of the monument until 2011 when an Earthquake caused structural damage resulting in its closure. Since, then it has been plagued with architectural issues, and is currently closed for repairs.
It was a shame, since Sarah and I were dying to go in it.
Not.
I saw “Spider-man: Homecoming.” No way in H-E-Double-Toothpick would I go to the top!
Height issues aside, it is another majestic piece of architecture and a fitting tribute to a strong dignified leader.
World War II Memorial
Sarah and I stopped briefly at the WWII and Lincoln Memorials respectively, but then chose to come back the next day, so we could take our time and and give it the appreciation and respect it so justly deserved.
Opened in 2004, it is dedicated to the American soldiers and civilians who fought in World War II. It consists of fifty-six granite pillars inscribed with the US States and territories at that time, as well as two triumphal arches all surrounding a fountain. It is a stunning tribute to history that should never ever be forgotten, and the courageous men and women who fought for injustice and to protect freedom.
Lincoln Memorial
There was something incredibly sacred and moving visiting the Lincoln Memorial. Built to honor the sixteenth president who was known not just for his tall hats, but his poignant and inspiring speeches, it is a memorial suited for a Roman King.
Once again, Neoclassical architecture inspired this memorial. Replicating a Greek Doric Temple, a large statue of Abraham Lincoln sits, presiding over the monument, with the inscriptions of his two most famous speeches etched into the walls.
168 instead of 36 Hours
We ended up going back to The Mall both days. Even then we weren’t able to make it to the Jefferson or Korean Memorials. You really did need a week or 168 hours instead of the 36 we had.
We were lucky enough to make it to the Archives, where we got to see the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.
While the Mall is a destination, it is filled with much reverence and history. It is a keeper and documentation of our country’s origins and it was inspiring if not a bit intimidating to see.
Have you been to The National Mall? What Monuments did you visit?
okay, I absolutely LOVED your ootd, just saying, and I learnt SO MUCH through this post! I love how you include a bit of history and bit of pretty pictures <3
Awe thank you hun! You are way to sweet! And I am so glad! I aim to please or teach or add visuals? Lol, that trailed off badly! LOL. I hope you are having a great week! <3
some really gorgeous pictures & I love your scarf!! thanks for sharing all this history 🙂
Thank you so much sweets! It is an oldie but goodie from J-crew! Awe you are very welcome! <3 Thanks for reading! <3
I’ve never been there, but always wanted to go! Especially, that they very often show these places in movies haha. Loved your shoes btw xo
I definitely recommend going! So worth it! Haha they do! Having livedin New York six years, I will watch a movie and be like oh I know that place lol. Thank you! They are from Aldo and so ridiculously comfy (despite the height!) <3
What a fantastic post! I learned a ton of facts about DC I’d never heard before. You have me wondering if maybe the history books should be punctuated with photos of you in adorable outfits to motivate people to keep reading? 🙂 xx
Thank you so much hun! I definitely learned some things while I was there! And oh my gosh you are to sweet and funny! <3
You look amazing in those photos and I loved learning facts I didn’t know. Char // https://lunarchar.com/ xx
Thank you so much hun! I am so glad you enjoyed this thanks for reading! <3
I must have visited most of the monuments and memorials while there… hey, there free! Hahaha. My favorite was the Lincoln.
Rachel || anotherstationanothermile.com
Haha they are! Which is what makes it even more amazing! Lincoln was incredibly special! Thanks for stopping by! <3
Oh I really want to go there myself one day!! Love your photos so much lovely 💕💕 xx
I hope you get to go beauty! Awe thanks so much sweets! You are the best! <3
Awww I would love to go there some day thanks for sharing 😊your photos are amazing as always xx
Awe thank you hun! I hope you get to! You are very welcome thank you for reading and leaving such a sweet comment! I hope you are having a fabulous day! <3
Awww it’s okay you too xx
I admittedly don’t know much about American history, but when I went to the National Portrait Gallery in London, I came across all these paintings that made me interested. I’m a history geek and love the idea of being somewhere so significant in time. What fantastic images and a blog post you have put together. Chic outfit too! x
I feel the exact same way! I think it is one of the reasons I love traveling, you learn so much not just about places but the history and the people and you realize how much bigger everything is then just my little slice of the life pie. Awe thank you so much for your sweet words, they really mean a lot to me! Hehe and thank you have to explore in style ;p ! <3
I’ve been to DC once and it was for President Obama’s second inauguration with my school, so everything was closed and the monuments were packed. But we did watch the speech through a giant screen by the Washington monument and stopped by to see the Lincoln and MLK Jr. monuments as well (at my insistence because we were soooooooo close).
That is so cool you went to President Obama’s inauguration! I bet that was incredible! What a way to experience DC! <3
It was! But I want to go when the museums are open next time. I want to go to the Air and Space Museum soooooooo bad!
Air and Space Museum are on my list for the next time I visit 🙂 It looks SO cool! <3