Washington DC : Journey to Modern American History in Political Capital

Washington D.C is not only about its phenomenal history and vibrant vibes but offers a lot more than that. It is a vivacious city with right blend of contemporary with modern and is a center for some of the best shows and events. The city that boasts of being the political capital with the magnificent White Houses lies between the states of Maryland and Virginia. It is home to some of the most iconic buildings, exotic skyscrapers and impressive skyline that is worth a million visit. Some of the national symbolic buildings like the Capitol and White House is part of Washington D.C. Here are the top ten things to see in this gorgeous city:

1. The White House

This place definitely needs no introduction and is one of the most exciting landmarks buildings across the globe. It is the official residence of the President of The United States and was built in the year 1792. It was burned in 1814 by British forces but was again re-built in 1818. There are limited tours organized inside the White House that includes the East, blue, Green and Red rooms along with the Ballroom and the State Dining Room. It has the White House Visitor Center located close by and is an excellent place for knowing more about White House.

2. United States Capitol

It is indeed one of the most symbolic buildings across the United States which is the House of the Representative and Senate. The architecture represents a huge dome and was built between 1793 and 1812. The building has gorgeous marble terraces and interior is exquisite with paintings and adorned with many artifacts. The Rotunda under the cast iron dome has a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and many representational drawings depicting the rich American History. There are free tours that can be reserved and booked online to see the beautiful exhibition of the history of the building.

3. Lincoln Memorial

The memorial is built as a tribute and honor to the first President of US Abraham Lincoln and is marked with a 19-foot marble statue of the legendary president. It is surrounded by 36 columns and each one represents one particular state that existed at the time of demise of Abraham Lincoln. The marble statue was made by noted sculptor Daniel Chester French and is one of the most exquisite works done. It is surrounded by beautiful murals on the inside of the wall that was painted by Jules Guerin. It is a historical landmark with immense significance where lot of events is organized.

4. The Washington Monument

The monument is one of the most iconic sight-seeing places that is marked by 555-foot white shaft. The sight is extremely beautiful and gorgeous as it reflects beautiful in the long reflecting pool. The obelisk was to honor the first President of America and plan was approved in the year 1783. The project was however interrupted in between due to ongoing civil war but was finally completed in the year 1885. The monument has three shades of stones in the front marking its interrupted construction. The inside of the monuments has engraved stone and base is surrounded by 50 American flags.

5. National Air and Space Museum

This museum is undoubtedly one of the most incredible museums that display a huge collection of spacecrafts and historical aircraft. One of the most prized possessions of the museum is its 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and the first plane to fly across Atlantic Ocean, Spirit of St. Louis developed by Charles Lindbergh. Time to time new spacecraft and flights are included in the museum. There are number of events and exhibitions organized enlightening one about space science and technology. The Albert Einstein Planetarium and Public Observatory is another exciting arenas within the museum.

6. National Gallery of Art

If you are an art lover, this place is exactly what you need to fuel your mind and soul with the exciting collection of exquisite and artistic pieces. The gallery is housed in two independent buildings that are connected with help of a tunnel. It is one of the premier art museums in the world that displays huge collection and masterpieces from American and European painters, sculptures along with multiple decorative art work. It has the Freer Gallery of Art which includes around 30,000 amazing pieces of Asian work, sculptures and ancient manuscripts. It also houses the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and National Museum of African Art.

7. Newseum

This place is perfect to know about the modern history of America as you take a walk through it. There are many events and things that happened contributing in shaping the history of America which is represented in form of media. There is a lot of programs and media elements like films, exhibits and static displays that helps people understanding about the historical events. There are reports about assassination of President John. F Kennedy, newspaper articles unfolding important events of past, collection of award winning shows and a lot of things to engage the visitors.

8. National Museum of American History

This is a massive Smithsonian museum that beautifully preserves and reflects the culture of America. It brings forward the political, cultural, scientific, technological and all other types of American history in form of exhibitions and display of information, artifacts and product. It gives a better understanding about how American evolved since Revolution. There are some important pieces of discovery in the museum which includes Edison’s Light Bulb, national treasures and lot of artifacts used in shows, events and through American history.

9. Washington National Cathedral

The cathedral is designed in Neo-Gothic style with gorgeous architecture and design both on the interiors and exteriors. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and was built in 1907 to 1990. It reflects the masonry with its stunning limestone construction and reflects the gorgeous detailing with its precise designs. The cathedral has stained windows along with hand embroidered kneels which honor war heroes and events of historical importance. It is also the burial place of President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller. It has a central tower of 300-foot which is highest point within Washington.

10. National Zoological Park

This is an impressive place to explore the flora and fauna of America with nearly 2000 species of animals, birds and reptiles living in harmony in spaces that is similar and replicates the natural habitat. Many of the species present here are endangered and it is indeed one of the best zoos where the species are allowed to stay close to nature. The initiative of caring and sustainable management was established in 1972. Some of the highlights are white napped cranes, Sumatran tigers, red Pandas, Grevy’s Zebra, etc. The animals can be fed also.

◎Closing

Washington D.C is a delight for history loves and travelers wanting to engage in understanding the history of Modern America. It is the political capital of USA and has lot of museums to showcase the unfolding of events that led to the present day country.