Memorials and monuments on the National Mall, Washington DC

Washington D.C. is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States and it’s easy to see why. There is an amazing amount of rich history in the region. Not to mention the numerous incredible landmarks to be found.

When making a visit to the Capital, the National Mall is usually first on list of the things people want to see. The monuments are one of the top reasons why.

Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial one of the more recognized monuments on the National Mall. While well-known, it does stand a bit away from many of the others and is situated on a very busy road. However, it is also a nice walk around the Tidal Basin to get to it. Especially when the cherry blossoms are in peak. (To learn more about this monument, I invite you to check out my "fun facts" piece about the Jefferson Memorial).

The Washington Monument

Standing in front of the Washington Monument is quite impressive at its 555 feet. Even more amazing is taking the elevator to the top and looking down upon the National Mall, Washington D.C. and beyond (when it reopens - the elevator will be closed for repairs until spring 2019). Even so, just standing beneath it is incredible. For more reading, I've also written a fun facts and history about the Washington Monument post if you're looking to learn more about this piece of architecture.

Washington Monument at dusk

Taken during peak cherry blooms in 2016

World War II Memorial

World War II Memorial. This is the one of newest of the memorials located at the National Mall. Completed in 2004, it has an appealing design. The World War II Memorial is located in the center of the Mall and is visually located between the Washington and Lincoln Memorials. 

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial sits opposite the Washington Memorial and World War II Memorial on the other side of the Reflecting Pool. You can climb the top of the stairs and enter the memorial and/or you can go to the lower floors and look at the inside exhibits. 

[ Related Reading: Fun facts about the Lincoln Memorial ]

View of the Lincoln Memorial and the famous reflecting pool found between the monuments. This photo was taken from atop the Washington Monument. Across the river is Virginia.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

The newest of monuments on the Mall, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was opened in August 2011. Throughout the memorial site you'll find numerous inspirational quotes by King said during his lifetime. The centerpiece of the memorial is the statue of King which overlooks the Tidal Basin.

[ Related reading: Interesting facts about the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial ]

 

Korean War Veterans Memorial 

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is an outdoor memorial. The memorial has two parts, the first is a triangular field with statues of 19 uniformed soldiers, all of who are dressed differently to represent the branch of services who fought in the war. The second part of the memorial is a circular pool with benches and trees. This memorial was dedicated in 1995.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also often referred to as "The Vietnam Wall", was built in 1982 and is a memorial dedicated to those men and women who served in the war. The monument is made of up statues and the wall itself. There are several panels and each list thousands of names of those of who gave their lives in this conflict. Visiting this memorial is an emotional experience, seeing more than 58,000 names listed in chronological order. People often leave mementos, notes and flowers along the wall.

 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial  

The memorial dedicated to Franklin Delano Roosevelt is located along the western side of the Tidal Basin. It’s a walk-through style memorial with walls of quotes, statues and fountains as visitors explore FDR’s four terms. 

DC War Memorial

One of the lesser-known monuments on the Mall, this is a local monument dedicated to the men and women from the District of Columbia who lost their lives in WWI. Commissioned in 1919, the monument came to fruition in 1931. The names of the 499 Washingtonians who died in the war are inscribed on the monument’s platform.

Currently, there is no federal WWI monument in the District, but Congress has approved one and it is reportedly in the design stage. When it’s built, the new monument will be at Pershing Park, near the White House. 

George Mason Memorial 

Another lesser-known memorial, unless you come from the area, you might not know who George Mason was or what is significance to U.S. history is (in New York, this man was not discussed in any curriculum I was taught). Here in Virginia though, he's well-known as one of America's founding fathers. Mason penned the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as Jefferson's inspiration as he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He's known for a lot more too. The monument was established in 2002, having been an add-on to an existing garden. It's located close to the Jefferson Memorial.

[ Related reading: A visit to George Mason's home: Gunston Hall ]

Pool in front of the George Mason Memorial. The scenery is stunning once the cherry blossoms, magnolias and forsythia bloom.

The National Mall is one area of D.C. where many people are drawn to visit, and it is well worth the trip. There are a number of other memorials and gardens spread throughout the National Mall, but I'm still discovering these. These listed in this post are the largest and probably the most visited.