Washington, DC, is America’s capital.

It also was my home from 1998 – 2005.

During a recent trip back, I spent time visiting dear friends and wandering around “the District”  with my camera.

The White House South Lawn in Washington, DC
The White House South Lawn in Washington, DC

The Lincoln Memorial

Located alongside the Potomac River and directly across from the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial may be my favorite structure on the National Mall.

Officially opened in 1922, Honest Abe’s memorial is a marvel of majestic marble; featuring colossal columns and a gigantic statue of the 16th President of the USA.

 

Abraham Lincoln served as President of the United States of America from 1861 - 1865.
Abraham Lincoln served as President of the United States of America from 1861 – 1865.

 

Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address is inscribed on the north wall of the memorial.
Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address is inscribed on the north wall of the memorial.

 

36 columns represent the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death in 1865.
36 columns represent the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death in 1865.

 

Open to the public 24 hours a day, the crowd is especially chaotic on a Sunday afternoon in August.
Open to the public 24 hours a day, the crowd is especially chaotic on a Sunday afternoon in August.

 

The exterior of the Memorial echoes a classic Greek temple; and features Yule marble from Colorado.
The exterior of the Memorial echoes a classic Greek temple; and features Yule marble from Colorado.

The Washington Monument

Perhaps the most iconic structure in DC, the Washington Monument honors America’s first President.

Constructed of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, the Monument  is the world’s tallest stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk: standing 555 feet 5 1⁄8 inches.

 

The Washington Monument has two distinct colors; due to a 23 year stop in construction. When the work restarted in 1877, the original materials were no longer available: hence the two colors of stone.
The Washington Monument has two distinct colors; due to a 23 year stop in construction. When the work restarted in 1877, the original materials were no longer available: hence the two colors of stone.

 

The Reflecting Pool, which displays a mirror of the Washington Monument, has been home to countless historic events: including Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech.
The Reflecting Pool, which displays a mirror of the Washington Monument, has been home to countless historic events: including Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech.

 

Many people chuckle at the Washington Monument’s phallic appearance.
Many people chuckle at the Washington Monument’s phallic appearance.

Baseball: America’s Pastime 

Washington, DC, has been home to three different Major League Baseball teams.

From 1901 – 1960, the Washington Nationals called the District home.

From 1961 – 1971, the Senators were Washington’s home team.

Most recently, baseball returned to DC in 2005; when the Montreal Expos relocated and became the new Washington Nationals.

 

Nationals Park - a baseball stadium in Washington, DC
In 2005, I attended the first Washington Nationals baseball game at RFK Stadium. President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch.

 

click here to see more photos of baseball stadiums across America

 

From the top of Nationals Park, you can clearly see the Washington Monument.
From the top of Nationals Park, you can clearly see the Washington Monument.

Exploring the National Mall

The National Mall is DC’s #1 tourist destination.

At 146 acres, this park is home to presidential monuments, war memorials, the Smithsonian Museum, the Capitol Building and the White House.

Surrounding the mall is a maze of historic streets, colonial buildings and the government that makes America run.

 

Outside the Federal Reserve Building.
Outside the Federal Reserve Building.

 

The United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC
The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress: the legislature of the federal government of the United States.

 

The best advice I can give you for visiting DC is to take the Metro. Driving is a hassle, parking is tough and the Metro is easy. Nuff said.
The best advice I can give you for visiting DC is to take the Metro. Driving is a hassle, parking is tough and the Metro is easy. Nuff said.

 

The World War II Memorial.
The World War II Memorial.

Want to see more of America’s Capital?

click here to visit my Washington, DC, gallery

 

The Iwa Jima Memorial is located just outside of Washington, DC in Arlington, Virginia
The Iwa Jima Memorial is located just outside of Washington, DC in Arlington, Virginia