Washington D.C. is a history book come to life. As the capital city of the US, it houses some of the most important landmarks that shaped and molded the country into what it is today. Hence, the city is the ultimate paradise for history buffs. While other capital cities around the world boast the histories of their respective nations too, Washington D.C. takes it up a notch. Its treasure trove of Smithsonian Museums, the White House, and other government buildings all offer a peak into the fascinating past of what is undoubtedly the most powerful country in the world.
The White House
Naturally, the White House ought to be any history buff's first stop in the city. In the country's nearly 250-year-old history, a huge part of it started with this iconic landmark. In 1800, then-American president John Adams moved into the White House and officially made it the country's presidential residence. Since then, countless historic events have happened within these revered walls. From speeches about World Wars and man-made tragedies to countless political scandals, if these halls could talk, the stories they'd tell would be insurmountable! There's probably no other presidential residence in the world that's as historic as this one.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
United States Capitol
From one government building to another, the United States Capitol is another major stop in any history buff's tour of the District of Columbia. Since the country's congress started convening here on November 17, 1800, the Neoclassical architectural marvel has witness countless laws be made, debated over, and instituted. Located in the
central Washington D.C. of the same name, its eye-catching aesthetics alone already makes it a staple tourist spot. But its history is what truly makes it worth visiting. You can't help but get goosebumps as you stroll through its hallowed halls!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Memorial
Those who have
moved to Washington D.C. typically go to the iconic Lincoln Memorial to work out. The beautiful National Mall is a great place to exercise, after all, and this particular landmark is no different. But what is different about it, however, is how historic it is, so much so that it's practically sacrilegious (at least, to history buffs) to only go here for a workout. This is the place that memoralizes President Abraham Lincoln, after all, who is widely considered among the country's finest leaders. At the same time, this is also where Martin Luther King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Smithsonian Museums
You can't call yourself a history buff if you're not into museums. Even more so since there are several
must-see museums in Washington D.C., specifically, the Smithsonian Museums. There's the National Museum of American History, for example, which is the ultimate gallery for history buffs. Some of the most important artifacts that have shaped the country, its history, and even its pop culture are displayed here. The original flag and the dresses that various former First Ladies wore in their husbands' inauguration balls are just some of them. If you're more into the history of the world at large, you can stop by the National Museum of Natural History too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
National Portrait Gallery
True-blue history buffs know that the world today, especially the United States of America, was and is shaped by notable people over the years. They're American presidents, influential politicians, and even iconic celebrities. If you want to know more about such figures, look no further than the National Portrait Gallery! As its name says, this museum houses portraits of some of the most impactful people in the country's history. Even beyond the most famous ones, you'll also discover those who most people may have forgotten but still made a difference just the same.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
National Archives
The Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are just some of the most important documents in American history. One of them literally formed the independent republic that the US is today while another sets the rules of what is perhaps the most powerful country in the world. It would undoubtedly take any history buff's breath away to see such documents in person, right? Well, it's a good thing that they're all on full display at the National Archives. This is the reason why many schools hold their field trips here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ford's Theatre
There's more to Washington D.C. than its most famous government buildings and massive museums. There are the infamous spots too. Take Ford's Theatre at 511 10th Street in northwestern D.C., for example. Any history buff knows that this is the exact theater where John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln. While other US Presidents were assassinated since then, this particular event remains the most tragic in American history. So much so that many people still find it in bad taste to joke about it, even though it's been a couple of centuries since then.
Source: Ford’s Theater
Martin’s Tavern
Not all the historic spots in Washington D.C. are as famous as iconic sites where schools hold their field trips. Some are lesser-known and really, only bonafide American history buffs would know about them. A great example is Martin's Tavern along Wisconsin Avenue. At first glance, it looks like any typical restaurant & bar in the city. A
great place to eat in Washington D.C., sure, but what's so historic about it? Well, this just so happens to be where President John F. Kennedy proposed to his fashionable First Lady, Jackie. The booth where it happened is even named “The Proposal Booth” because of it.
Source: Martin’s Tavern
Arlington National Cemetery
If you have time, you'll want to go see the Arlington National Cemetery too. Though it's a bit far from the city center—it's in Arlington, Virginia, one of the many
Washington D.C. suburbs—the trip is worth it. This famous site is where many of the country's fallen are laid to rest. These are the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend and fight for the US. This is also where many former American presidents are buried, most famously JFK. Any visit here will fill you with so much emotion, whether or not you're history buff or an American.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Any history buff will find that Washington D.C. is the ultimate dream town! The American capital boasts a treasure trove of historic spots, from significant sites to museums that house the most fascinating artifacts.
