History & Heritage
From the founding fathers to Martin Luther King, Jr. to today’s president, Washington, DC is a city steeped in history -- and history in the making. Explore the city’s museums and memorials, and discover the history of a nation.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Discover the stories behind the people and places of the nation's capital.
Walk in the footsteps of U.S. presidents with these only-in-DC experiences.
Explore DC's deep connections to the Civil War and the civil rights movement in this three-day itinerary.
Find Places
Or browse neighborhood listings by the numbers
- African-American Culture(3 listings)
- Family-Friendly(58 listings)
- Historic Places & Districts(22 listings)
- History Tours(6 listings)
- Military History & Culture(2 listings)
- Museums(29 listings)
DC Travel Inspiration
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Pictured: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Visitors to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will pass through the Mountain of Despair, a massive boulder. - Photo by Johnny Bivera
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Pictured: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
From within the symbolic struggle, the Stone of Hope emerges from the Mountain of Despair into the open plaza at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. - Photo by Johnny Bivera
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Pictured: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The Stone of Hope features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Pictured: African American Civil War Memorial
A detail of the Spirit of Freedom sculpture, part of the African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honoring the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
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Pictured: African American Civil War Memorial
The African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honors the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
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Pictured: African American Civil War Memorial
A detail of the Spirit of Freedom sculpture, part of the African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honoring the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
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Pictured: FDR Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial depicts the impact of a single president in four outdoor "rooms," one for each of his four terms.
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Pictured: Entrance to FDR Memorial
The entrance to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial near the Tidal Basin invites visitors to explore the legacy of the 32nd president.
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Pictured: Fala the dog at FDR Memorial
The only presidential pet to be immortalized in a national monument, Fala the Scottish Terrier sits loyally (in stone) at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
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Pictured: Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Fala at the FDR Memorial
The FDR Memorial on the Tidal Basin recalls the axiom "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."
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Pictured: Wall at FDR Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is comprised of a series of stone sculptures and water features.
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Pictured: Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is modeled after the Pantheon, a nod to the statesman's passion for Roman democracy.
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Pictured: Jefferson Memorial through the cherry blossoms
During the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, the city appears to be dressed in pink.
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Pictured: Yankee Doodle marching band in the Independence Day Parade
Yankee Doodle march down Pennsylvania Avenue, part of the National Independence Day Parade each summer.
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Pictured: Exhibition at Library of Congress
In addition to holding America's largest collection of books, the Library of Congress hosts free exhibits, movies, readings and lectures.
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Pictured: Library of Congress Great Hall
The classical design of the Great Hall in the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress links the United States to the classical tradition of scholarship.
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Pictured: National Archives
The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution have been on display since 1952 in a temple of history, the National Archives.
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Pictured: Korean War Veterans Memorial
Southeast of the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial commemorates servicemen and women.
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Pictured: Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial features 19 statues of servicemen representing the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.
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Pictured: Korean War Veterans Memorial
Each of the 19 figures depicted in the Korean War Veterans Memorial were designed by Frank Gaylord, and cast in stainless steel weighing 1,000 pounds each.
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Pictured: President Lincoln's Cottage
The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
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Pictured: National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade attracts more than 250,000 patriotic Americans to honor those who have sacrificed through service to our country.
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Pictured: Watching the Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade attracts more than 250,000 patriotic Americans. Among the best places to watch are the steps of the Library of Congress.
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Pictured: National Archives building in spring -horz
The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution have been on display since 1952 in a temple of history, the National Archives.
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Pictured: National Archives
Seen through the Navy Memorial, the National Archives
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Pictured: National Archives frieze detail -horz
The records of the nation's civil, military and diplomatic activities are housed for perpetuity in this neoclassical revival-style temple of democracy. Museum-style displays breath life into records and red tape.
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Pictured: National Archives up close
Architect John Russell Pope loaded his design for the National Archives (detail pictured) with neoclassical revival elements, connecting Washington, DC aesthetically with ancient democracies in Rome and Athens.
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Pictured: Great Hall of the National Building Museum
The columns inside the National Building Museum are among the tallest in the world. At its tallest point, the museum is approximately 15 stories high.
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Pictured: Washington Monument
Constructed between 1848 and 1884, the Washington Monument is an elegant exclamation point on the National Mall. The obelisk is closed for repairs until 2014.
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Pictured: National World War II Memorial
The first national memorial to America's "Greatest Generation" was dedicated in 2004 to the 16 million who served, including 400,000 who died in service. The National World War II Memorial is open 24 hours a day.
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Pictured: National World War II Memorial on the National Mall
The National World War II Memorial on the National Mall was the first national memorial dedicated to America's "Greatest Generation" -- the 16 million who served, including 400,000 who died in service.
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Pictured: National World War II Memorial
The Rainbow Pool at the National World War II Memorial is surrounded by 56 pillars, one for each state and territory from that period.
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Pictured: National World War II Memorial at night
The National World War II Memorial is open 24 hours a day. National Park Service rangers off free tours hourly between 10 a.m and 11 p.m. Independently run Monuments by Moonlight tours are also popular.
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Pictured: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Cedar Hill, once home to famed abolistionist Frederick Douglass overlooks the Anacostia River towards the U.S. Capitol. Visitors are welcome to join a 30-minute tour of the historic home led by the National Park Service. Free tickets are required and can
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Pictured: Frederick Douglass statue Cedar Hill
A statue of Frederick Douglass graces Cedar Hill, his former home in the Anacostia neighborhood. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass was renowned for his orations on universal equality of all races, nationalities and genders.
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Pictured: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has received more than 30 million visitors since opening near the National Mall in 1993. The building was designed by Holocaust survivor and architect James Ingo Freed.
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Pictured: Ford's theatre stage
View from the stage of Ford’s Theatre, following an 18-month renovation. - Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie
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Pictured: Ford's Theatre
Exterior view of Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site and the new Ford’s Theatre lobby. - Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie
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Pictured: Scott Circle Statue - horz
One of Washington's 30 equestrian statues - DC has more than any other city in America - General Winfield Scott oversees his eponymous circle on 16th Street near the Embassy's of Australia and the Philippines.
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Pictured: Twilight Tattoo drummers
Twilight Tattoo is an hourlong military pageant hosted by Fort Myer in Arlington, Va., featuring soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own."
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Pictured: Twilight Tattoo soldiers
Twilight Tattoo is a colorful hourlong military pageant hosted by Fort Myer in Arlington, Va. It features military bands, cannon fire and soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) performing traditional drills.
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Pictured: Bohemian Caverns
Established in 1926 on U Street, Bohemian Caverns hosted the likes of Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway in its heyday. Today, the iconic club is a mecca for DC jazz fans.
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Pictured: Fort Stevens
Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
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Pictured: Freedom Plaza
Located in front of National Theatre on Pennsylvania Avenue, Freedom Plaza features a inlay of Pierre L'Enfant's original blueprint for DC. The plaza is also home to skateboarders and on occasion protestors (most recently with Occupiers camping out there)
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Pictured: African American Civil War Memorial
The African American Civil War Memorial on U Street commemorates the more than 200,000 black soldiers who fought during the Civil War. - Photo by Carole Kolker
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Pictured: Georgetown C&O Canal
Georgetown's pretty C&O canal recalls a quieter time in the nation's capital. The pathway is popular among DC's most dedicated joggers.
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Pictured: Chuck Brown atop the Big Chair in Anacostia
The late Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, grooves atop the "Big Chair" in Anacostia. The chair was constructed as a furntiure advertisement for a local store and until recently held the title of biggest chair in the world. - Photo by Stephen Cummings
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Pictured: Lincoln Theatre
U Street’s Lincoln Theatre once served as the center of DC’s “Black Broadway” hosting acclaimed artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Nat King Cole, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and Sarah Vaughn. - Photo by Kathryn Smith
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Pictured: The Star Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The flag that inspired Francis Scott Key is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in a display case specially designed to prevent damage from light or humidity.
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Pictured: Inauguration at the Capitol
The Inauguration takes place on the U.S. Capitol's west front, allowing for a large number of spectators to gather on the National Mall and witness history.
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Pictured: The President takes the Oath of Office
Required by the Constitution, every president of the United States has taken the oath of office since George Washington in 1789.
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Pictured: Inauguration Crowd
The Inauguration of our nation's 44th President, Barack Obama, brought a record 1.8 million people to the National Mall in 2009.
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Pictured: The Capitol during Inauguration
The Presidential Inauguration draws thousands of visitors to DC every four years. The historic occasion shines the spotlight on the District.
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Pictured: Winter at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
The C&O Canal is one of the strongest surviving achievements of 19th century America, flowing west along the Potomac. The canal has its own historical park featuring pathways and relics for visitors to admire. - Photo by Steve Dean
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Pictured: Aqueuct at the Chespeake & Ohio Canal
The C&O Canal is one of the strongest surviving achievements of 19th century America, flowing west along the Potomac. The canal has its own historical park featuring pathways and relics for visitors to admire. - Photo by Steve Dean
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Pictured: President Lincoln's Cottage
President Lincoln's Cottage is located in Northwest DC and gives visitors an intimate look into the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln. The 16th President lived in the Cottage while developing the Emancipation Proclamation. - Photo by David Phillipich
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Trip Ideas
Devout practitioners and religious history buffs will enjoy touring Brookland's impressive churches.
Art and architecture lovers should follow their bliss beyond the National Mall to this culturally historic neighborhood.
Ideas for history buffs interested in DC's Civil War connections from the last 150 years.
Many museums and theaters in Washington, DC offer a taste of African American culture.
Discover African American contributions to the rich local history and culture of Washington, DC.
Explore Washington DC's rich African American heritage with these educational tours.
Planning a trip to DC this December? You wouldn't be the “first family” to spend the holidays here.
50 days of fun facts, deals, activities and more leading up to the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 fallen American heroes.
Inauguration 2013 welcomes President Obama to the White House for a second term, but Washington, DC has a storied history of presidential places beyond the present. These five suggestions will help you walk in the steps of the U.S. presidents.
A powerful president at a turbulent time, Abraham Lincoln remains a powerful presence in Washington.
Spend a few days tracing the footsteps of the First Family around Washington, DC.
Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln through these Civil War to Civil Rights experiences.
Washington, DC has some of its deepest roots in music. Explore these top 10 music makers.
Explore these lesser-known Civil War attractions and historical locations.
Washington, DC's GLBT community has been through struggles but always perseveres and shines through.
The culture of Washington, DC, is infused with African American history.
Learn how the nation's capital has grown and changed since its founding.
From imposing monuments to Metro stops, Civil War history is everywhere in Washington, DC.
Trace DC's greatest writings and speeches from the Civil War through the civil rights era.
Follow this five-day itinerary to experience Washington, DC's Civil War to Civil Rights attractions.
Explore civil rights attractions and experiences over 5 days in Washington, DC.
The Washington area played a major role in the Civil War. Explore these historic battle sites.
Discover historic sites that help explain Washington, DC's role in the Civil War.
From the newest national memorial to U Street, DC is infused with African American history.
