If you’re visiting America’s capital city, you’ll definitely want to spend time exploring places like the National Mall and locating the best monuments in Washington DC. The good news is that most of the best monuments in Washington DC are within walking distance from one another.
Washington Monument
One of the most recognized landmarks in America is the Washington Monument. Construction began on the 555-foot tall obelisk in 1848. However it wasn’t completed until 1888 as private funds dried up and construction was halted for more than 30 years. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the monument is actually two different colors. That’s because the stones used when construction continued were slightly different. No one noticed the difference until weather began to wear on them years later.
Visitors can book a ticket to the top of the monument for a great view of the National Mall. At one time the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world.
Jefferson Memorial
My personal top choice of the best monuments in Washington DC is the Jefferson Memorial. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Washington Monument and beautiful to see as the sun sets. It’s also a favorite subject of photographers as the cherry blossoms bloom each spring.
A towering 19-foot tall statue of Jefferson sits in the middle with some of the founding father’s quotes chiseled into the surrounding stones. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a huge fan of Jefferson and wanted the monument to be built within view of The White House. If you stand on the top step, you’ll note that The White House can clearly be viewed off in the distance.
Lincoln Memorial
One of the most iconic monuments in Washington DC is the Lincoln Memorial. Completed in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial boasts 36 columns representing the 36 states in the Union at the time of his death. The statue, designed by Daniel Chester French is 19 feet tall and is much larger than the original design.
As one of the best monuments in Washington DC, the Lincoln Memorial is also quite busy. It’s not unusual for the stairs to be covered with tourists. For the best photos and chance for peace and quiet, consider visiting this one as the sun is coming up.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
One of the most of elaborate monuments in Washington DC is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. Dedicated in 1997 by then President Bill Clinton, the tribute features multiple “rooms” that include statues, waterfalls, and inscriptions. It was designed to give visitors plenty of space to spread out.
The actual statue of Roosevelt is one of the most intricate creations I’ve seen. The details are quite incredible in the former president’s face. There’s also an equally impressive statue of Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady, around the corner. Her tribute recognizes her dedication to working with the United Nations.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument
In 2011, the Martin Luther King, Jr. was unveiled to the public in West Potomac Park after two decades of planning and fundraising. A 30 foot high sculpture of King towers over visitors just beyond the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial. It’s one of just a handful of monuments in Washington DC not dedicated to former politicians.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Three million people a year visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial which is one of the best monuments in Washington DC. The two acre space is dominated with two black granite walls that feature engraved names of service members who died or remain missing as a result of their service in the war.
There are nearly 60,000 names on the walls.
World War II Memorial
Completed in 2004, the World War II Memorial pays respect to the 400,000 men and women that sacrificed their lives during the global conflict. The memorial and various monuments include 56 granite columns to symbolize unity among the 48 states, seven federal territories and the District of Columbia.Â
During your visit, you’re likely to see visitors participating in an Honor Flight Network trip. The non-profit organizes free trips for WWII veterans to see the memorial in person from around the U.S.
U.S. Navy Memorial Plaza
The U.S. Navy Memorial is located on Pennsylvania Avenue about halfway between the Capitol and The White House. It was completed in 1987 and built with private funds after more than a decade of planning. It features multiple fountains and a statue called “The Lone Sailor”. The statue overlooks a map depicting the world’s oceans.