View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Postcard from Washington DC: Part III
I’m continuing with my meander around Washington DC, this one leads from our hotel to the Library of Congress (tomorrow’s post).
Our hotel was close to the Ellipse Park and The White House but there was some event which made it difficult to see either, so we didn’t bother! No doubt the Bidens were disappointed in our lack of interest.
Lafayette Square
General Andrew Jackson’s Statue is in the centre of Lafayette Square which was the first bronze statue to be cast in the US. The large seven-acre park north of the White House is named for the Marquis de Lafayette, a wealthy French hero of the American Revolutionary War.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
This pretty yellow Greek revival building is also called the Church of the Presidents. Completed in 1816, every sitting president has visited at least once. It is a National Historic Landmark but, sadly, I can’t find my photo of said church.
Pennsylvania Avenue
The avenue between the White House and the Capitol Building is home to a number of monuments, museums and interesting buildings.
World War I Memorial
Pershing and George Washington are the only US Generals awarded the rank of General of the Armies, the highest possible rank in the US Army.This memorial honouring the more than 4.5 million Americans who served in the first World War was unveiled in April 2021. It includes a previously existing monument to John J Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The Peace Fountain is in the centre and, in 2024, the final installation called “A Soldier’s Journey”, will be completed. Meanwhile, there’s a representation in its place.
White House Visitor Center
The visitor centre provides an opportunity to see some of the White House without an invitation. Displays include archival photos and footage of White House events.
Freedom Plaza
The marble surface of the plaza shows a partial representation of the L’Enfant Plan for the city developed in 1791.
Old Post Office Building
The beautiful building on the south side of Pennsylvania at 12th Street is now a hotel. This was US Postal Service’s national headquarters from 1899 to 1914 when they outgrew it. The building avoided the wrecking ball several times until being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
US Navy Memorial Plaza and the National Archives Museum
The memorial honours the men and women of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine who serve in both war and peace. The National Archives Museum is framed by the flagpole masts of the US Navy Memorial.
The archives protect items telling the story of the growth of US, its government and the American people such as the original signed copies of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights.
US Capitol
Since 1800 Congress has occupied the Capitol though it has been expanded to meet the government’s space needs. The original construction was rather less grandiose than today’s. In December 1863, the Statue of Freedom was placed on the top of a new cast iron central dome, above the East Plaza.
Our wander around Washington concludes at the Library of Congress (tomorrow’s post)
View from the Back 
Thank you.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love walking around that area. You have gorgeous photos.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Dan
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will be interesting to see what happens here. Time will tell.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Indeed
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are wonderful buildings. You mentioned Library of Congress for tomorrow; I’m not sure you saw my post “Bright April and the Librarian of Congress—and All We Must Protect,” from two weeks ago. Lots of stuff re: LOC.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sadly, despite me following you, none of your posts shows up in my timeline. You’re in good company and I make a point of every so often checking out those missing posts. Will go and check this one out. Thanks Annie
LikeLike
So much to see and the buildings and architecture are magnificent. Thanks for the tour and have a wonderful time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely and thank you Alice
LikeLiked by 1 person
The American Expeditionary Forces that came in WWI or the Great War in 1917 to France was led by Gen ¨Pershing upon landing by St Nazaire he said the famous words “Lafayette we are here” sort of returning the favor.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for that titbit
LikeLiked by 1 person
With pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pictures. One.of my favorite DC Starbucks is on the brick building with the golden top. Plan to stop there on Thursday before going to Archives II.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I *did* not stop at any Starbucks while I was in States. There are so many better coffee shops.
LikeLike
A lot of people don’t like Starbucks because of the coffee or because they prefer to support local coffee shops. It is convenient between getting off the Metro and catching the shuttle to Archives II.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Postcard from Washington DC: Part III — View from the Back | Ups Downs Family History
Nice photos! During my last visit, I was not lucky to get to the Library of Congress. They had very limited tickets to sell.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Next time…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
No wonder you have been spreading this one out
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder what the Founding Fathers would think of the world today. Ignore the bad stuff, lol. Would they like how multicultural it’s become, the food…the technology!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hard to know
LikeLiked by 1 person
Zombie Apocalypse!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite possibly
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful walk….I believe the Old Post Office is now a hotel?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to see these sights one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re not too far from you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person