History of the Carousel on the National Mall in Washington, DC

The brightly colored carousel located on the National Mall in the U.S. capital city is a popular destination that attracts many children each year.

Many people might not know the history behind the old-time carousel that is located in the stretch of the Mall in between the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. For the first few years I lived here, I did not until I did some more research.

The carousel was built in 1947 by the Allan Herschell Co. The vintage model has 60 horses (and a later-added dragon) which provides many kids and adults with about 3 minutes of good old-fashioned fun. The classic merry-go-round was brought to the National Mall in 1981 and placed in the vicinity of the Smithsonian Castle.

Prior to its new home so many years ago, the carousel had been located at the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park, which was in a town near Baltimore, Md. The park was built in the 1890s and opened its gates as "Whites-Only". That policy remained in place for many years, according to an article published by WTOP News.

People decided they didn't want the park segregated.  And kids couldn't understand why their friends at school couldn't go to the same parks after school, according to media accounts. In 1955 things started to change.

"They started having protests at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park. They decided, well, if kids could go to school together, why couldn't they go to amusement parks together," said Amy Nathan, author of "Round and Round Together," which documents the history of the carousel.

Disregarding the protests, the owners of the park refused to change its segregation policy. According to WTOP, the protests went on for eight years. In 1963, the family changed its policy two weeks after a large protest took place. Almost 300 people were arrested that day.

"Gwynn Oak Amusement Park dropped segregation on the very same day as the March on Washington, and on that day, Sharon Langley was the first African-American child to go on a ride there," according to Nathan.

The Washington Post reported the carousel was the attraction the Langley family chose for young Sharon to ride. Nine years later the park was demolished by Hurricane Agnes. The carousel survived the storm. In 1981, it was moved to Washington, replacing a 1922 Ripley merry-go-round with 33 gliding animals, according to Smithsonian Magazine. 

There is a plaque next to the carousel's entrance gate.

Today, children from all over the country and globe take a spin on this historic ride. The carousel is open daily from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and costs $3.50 to ride. Visitors can purchase tickets at a stand located right next to the carousel.

Photos on Friday: Chapman (Beverley) Mill off I-66

Today's Photos on Friday travels out to the border of Prince William and Fauquier Counties where the historical Chapman (Beverley) Mill is located. I wrote a far more detailed post last year about the mill, but wanted to share a few additional photos today.  Currently, there are efforts to restore this amazing landmark full of history. Built in 1742, it survived 7 wars and was operational until 1951. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1998.

I invite you to visit my original post that shares more of its history: Visiting the historical and resilient Chapman’s Mill (Beverley Mill)

The inside of the mill as it looked about 2 years ago. You can see the strengthening that has been done.

Interior of the Beverley Mill Store

A winter visit to the Smithsonian's Butterfly Pavilion

It has been long overdue for me to make a visit back to the Butterfly Pavilion at the National Museum of Natural History. I've been saying it for months and last weekend finally made plans to go do it. 

As I mentioned in my post earlier in the week about riding the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument, we got downtown just past 9 a.m. so parking was easy. We parked down by the monument, however, it looked like there was plenty of parking along Constitution Avenue (previous experience has shown me otherwise. The key is to get downtown early if you want the free weekend parking - weekdays do have limits - I think its 3 hours). 

The Smithsonian Museums open at 10 a.m. and I found the first hour is often a good time to visit, as the museums are generally quiet. We went straight to the Butterfly Pavilion before seeing some of the other exhibits. We got our tickets, which were 5 minutes past time of purchase. There was a short line, but it moved quickly.

As always, the butterfly sightings are spectacular. You can really get up close to them (sometimes they even land on you - one attached to me on this visit, but it was behind me so I couldn't see).

Being my visit was on a Sunday, there was an entry fee (the admission the museum is always free, but some of the Smithsonian's exhibits do have a fee, this is one of them). However, if you want to go to the Butterfly Pavilion on a Tuesday, it's free. Just keep in mind, it might be tough to get tickets for the time frame you want on Tuesdays. Probably best to get your tickets upon arrival at the museum. 

It's a fun experience!

Calling train enthusiasts - 21st Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival

Manassas Train Depot

Every year the Manassas pays tribute to its rich railroad history with its Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival. This year's event takes place on June 6, and as customary, will be located in the Historic Downtown Manassas district.

As also customary, the 2015 celebration includes train memorabilia, model trains, live entertainment, train rides and more. The models are created by several local train groups and can be viewed under the Harris Pavilion.

"Watch miniature trains come to life," says Visit Manassas.org. These trains are accompanied by Country and Blue Grass music.

2015 marks the event's 21th year. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and, except special attractions such as the train ride, this event is free.

The train excursions leave from the Manassas Train Station and travel to Clifton and back. Tickets go on sale on May 1st. There are four options - train rides are scheduled to be 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. At the time of the original posted date the ticket prices for this outing were not yet available. Since I wrote this post, the website seems to have been taken offline and I'm still looking to see where the information has been relocated to to find out pricing (last year's prices were $5 and, space providing, tickets were available the date of the event).

The railway festival typically kicks off a series of events that will occur throughout the summer. One of my favorites is the annual Fourth of July celebration. Celebrate America will take place on July 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (kiddie rides open at 3 p.m.). There are usually also tractor rides and live entertainment.

Stunning views: Getting tickets to go up inside the Washington Monument

I've been in the D.C. area for about 10 years now and January 2015 was the first opportunity I've had to ride the elevator inside the Washington Monument. We had tried a few times over the years, but for one reason or another plans didn't work out. Then the monument was closed for renovations after the 2011 earthquake until spring 2014.

Yesterday we got downtown early to take in some museums. Since it was just past 9 a.m. we were able to find parking pretty much almost anywhere along Constitution Avenue. We decided to park near the Washington Monument and see if some tickets were still available. Turns out luck was on our side and we were able to get tickets for 9:30! (more on how to get tickets at the end of this post).

We were on our way...

Waiting to enter

 

NPS has two lines set up - one for the current tour time and another for the following (half-hour apart).  You get on your line and are given a group; you wait until your group is called. Yesterday, it looked like groups of 8 were called into the monument at a time. Our wait wasn't too long.

After we received our tickets, we walked back to the monument to get on line

Security and elevator ride

 

Once your group is called, you go through security (metal detector and bag check) and then wait in the base of the monument in line for the elevator, which was large and accommodated a nice-sized group of people for each ride up. The elevator takes 70 seconds to reach 500 feet, which is where you get off to take your tour. During the elevator ride, an NPS ranger provides more information. 

See Washington D.C. from above

Seeing the city from this angle was stunning. I'd taken the Old Post Office tour a number of times and saw some neat views, but this provided a different (and higher!) perspective. There are two windows on each side of the Washington Monument (one with steps to give a boost and one without) and surprisingly plenty of room to move about. There are plaques positioned next to the windows which outline what landmarks you can see from each viewpoint. Here are a few highlights:

View of the Jefferson Memorial and the bridges to Virginia

View of the Lincoln Memorial

View of the White House

 You can stay inside as long as you want to enjoy the views. Once you're finished, you head down about 14-15 steps to the level at 490 feet where you'll find some more exhibits relating to the history and building of the Washington Monument. When you're ready to go, you get on line for the elevator to ride back down. Your guide will provide some other information. You'll also get glimpses of the rest of the monument's interior (various stones donated, etc.). 

Getting tickets

You can get tickets one of two ways. You can stand online at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th St. in front of the monument, where the ticket window opens at 8:30 a.m. The line often starts well before then, but if you go in the off-season you may not have a wait (we didn't), but in busier season there is likely to be a lot of people online. Tickets are free and you can only get same day tickets this way (up to 6 tickets - keep in mind kids aged 2 and up do need a ticket). You choose your preferred time from the available open time slots. 

The other option is to go to NPS' Washington Monument web page (or call 1-877-444-6777) to reserve your tickets and preferred time slot. There is a fee of $1.50 per ticket with this method, but if you plan to visit during peak times (April to Sept.), this is going to be your better option. I'd recommend paying this small fee and booking your tour online. This way you don't miss out.  

Update: I was able to book online in mid-September 2015 with a few days notice, but in 2016 we tried in February to book tickets for April and there were already no tickets left. So I'd recommend you check ahead for availability.

Update #2 (March 2017) The monument elevator closed earlier this year for repairs and there is now a sign that says the monument elevator is closed until 2019.

When it reopens, definitely worth a visit!
 

Currently the Capitol Dome and some of the Mall's lawn (in front of most of the Smithsonian Museums) are currently undergoing renovations, so not the best views right now. I'm not sure of the Capitol's schedule, but the lawn won't be finished for about 2 years.

Photos on Friday: Manassas National Battlefield Park

Today's Photos on Friday features a few photos from Manassas National Battlefield Park taken at various times over the years. Most of the photos were taken during visits, but that first one was taken from my car as I was at (the often long waiting!) stop light. 

The Stone House looked so picturesque looking down the hill of Route 234 and I couldn't help but try to capture it.

Civil War Cannon. Photo taken near the Visitor's Center at the battlefield during a 2012 visit.

I'm trying to remember where I was in Manassas National Battlefield Park when I took this one and I can't seem to recall. I think it was during a hike in the woods and this was one of the angles when we came out on the other side.

Judith Henry was the first civilian casualty of the Civil War as she was confined to bed when the battle occurred. She was hit by a bullet. Her grave rests next to the (rebuild) of her home on Henry Hill.

 Related reading: U.S. Civil War: Events Leading to the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)

Tips for planning a spring trip to Washington

The U.S. Capital is a fabulous destination to travel to in the spring. It's my favorite time of year. During the spring months the temperatures have usually warmed and the humidity the region sometimes experiences in the summer has not yet set in. The climate is perfect for exploring things to do outdoors in Washington, D.C.

From the year-round tourist attractions to special events, there is much to see and do during a spring journey to Washington, which includes perennial and annual favorites located in this grand city:

Cherry Blossom Festival

One of the biggest spring events in Washington, D.C. is the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. Millions of visitors flock to the city to gaze upon the almost overwhelming beauty of the pink and white budded trees located along the Potomac and throughout the grassy areas positioned near the National Mall.

Every spring, dates, the city pays tribute to the commemoration of a gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan's Mayor Yukio Ozaki. This gift's intention was to honor the ongoing friendship between the United States and Japan. Every year the nation's Capital celebrates this continued close relationship by hosting the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The festival usually kicks off around the end of March and continues for the two weeks with daily events, performances and activities. One of the weekends features a parade and the festival usually culminates with fireworks the following weekend. Even if you don't like crowds, the blossoms are worth seeing, at least once. Absolutely breathtaking and stunning. Hands down one of my favorite times of the year.

[Related reading on this blog: Guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival] 

White House Easter Egg Roll

Every Easter Monday the White House hosts an Easter Egg event for the kids. This has been an annual tradition since 1878 and is a very popular event in the District. Like the Garden Tours, the event is free and tickets for this event are required in advance. 

It used to be you had to get there to stand in line, however, it appears this has changed and today tickets are distributed through an online lottery. Visitors will go through security your family can enjoy the events and festivities associated with the egg hunt and egg roll. Last year, according to the White House, over 30,000 people attended.

White House Garden Tour

Each April the White House hosts a weekend where the gardens at the First House are opened to the public. The tour is free, but tickets are necessary in order to be admitted to the event. Tickets have previously been offered beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the tour and the tickets are given on a first come, first-serve basis. 

In the past, when you received your ticket, it designated what time your tour will be given. Your tour will take you through the special gardens and commemorations located on the White House grounds. I don't see any dates listed on the White House website, so this is one to stay tuned as I'm not sure what may have changed.

The White House

Paddle Boats

A fun activity is to rent a paddle boat and pedal your way along the Potomac River bordering the city. The rentals open up shop sometime in March and run through the fall; a perfect spring activity to indulge in! Especially during the aforementioned cherry blossom season.

National Mall

While the National Mall is open year round, the springtime is wonderful because it is pleasant to tour the monuments and walk the surrounding areas in the warmer temperatures. The sharp cold winds of winter are gone and it is pleasant to enjoy the monuments and memorials located in the vicinity.

Additionally, wildlife comes back out to play during this blossoming of spring. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the tulips are also something to see (maintained by the National Park Service).

The Mall is an ideal place to go for a walk, job or to simply stroll and sight-see, even if you've seen it a dozen times before. Even when there are lots of people, I often find there is still a sense of tranquility as you wander the Mall area.

Ford's Theatre

A great evening (or day) activity is to take in a show at Ford's Theatre. This famous theatre, where President Lincoln was assassinated, is now a working theatre with a museum. The shows put on are very professional and many of the shows are historically themed which is a perfect fit being it is located in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Presidential Box as it looks today

The theatre season usually wraps up a season in May, so chances are if you're visiting in the spring this is a good time to visit. You can purchase tickets to your chosen show through Ticketmaster; there is a link on the Ford's Theatre official website for more information about the shows offered and show dates/times. I recommend doing this ahead of time so you can ensure you get tickets for the show you want.

[Related reading: Planning a visit to historical Ford's Theatre]

National Zoo

The National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Museum organization and is open year round. However, the spring is a great time, again due to the pleasant temperatures. With approximately 2,000 animals representing more than 400 different species, the zoo, despite not being very large (hey, I grew up near New York City's Bronx Zoo!) truly represents diversity. The population includes everything from insects to Gorillas, and represents habitation from rain forests to the woodlands. 

In addition to the above events and attractions, there are always the various monuments, museums and buildings to explore. 

Spring is an ideal time to visit the District, but keep in mind, it is also a very busy one and there are likely to be crowds, especially in late March through April. This is due to spring break and the special events happening, so there may be some wait times involved. It's a good idea to check with the organizations on your itinerary the time frames involved so you don't miss out on the events or sites you might want to see.