Washington D.C. has only one hall of fame but many other attractions that may bring joy and excitement to visitors. Though most people flock to the best known attractions, such as the Smithsonian, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building and the White House, the District of Columbia has much more to offer its visitors.
This facility, found in the center of Capitol Hill, was the home of the famous abolitionist and statesman for whom it was named. It currently houses a permanent memorial with portraits and biographies dedicated to recipients of a Caring Institute award. The Caring Institute gives its award to those deemed America’s most caring adults. Past recipients of this award include John Wooden and Bob Dole.
This 10-foot high sculpture honors the more than 209,000 troops serving in the U.S. Colored Troops during the conflict between the northern and southern states. The memorial stands in the Shaw section of the District of Columbia, an area named after abolitionist General Robert Gould Shaw who commanded the all-black 54th Regiment during the war. The bronze sculpt features several black servicemen in uniform.
Sprawling over 2.2 acres beside the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, this memorial consists of a mural wall more than 160 feet long covered with etched photographic images of those who supported the Korean War troops, including crew chefs, mechanics, chaplains and of course nurses. Beside the mural wall stands a column of sculpted soldiers standing ready for battle.
Founded in 1873 and relocated to Washington D.C. in 1878, the National Aquarium is home to more than 250 species of sea creatures including turtles, frogs, alligators, seahorses and snakes. If you come at 2 p.m. you can watch the curators feed the animals, or enjoy the 45-minute show of America’s Aquatic Treasures. General admission is $9.95; children under 3 are free. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Home to reportedly the world’s largest African bush elephant and an insect zoo, the National Museum of Natural History also houses a Hall of Mammals, several excavated dinosaur fossils, an IMAX theater, a cafeteria with a dining court and, most impressively, the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond. Admission is free and the hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, this memorial features two tall arches as well as a series of 17-foot high pillars representing every American state and territory at the time of the war. Honoring the 16 million servicemen and women from WWII, as well as those at home who supported them, this memorial includes bronze sculptures showing Americans at home and abroad aiding in the war effort, as well as 4,000 gold stars, each one representing 100 men who died in the conflict.
