A 'pedestal waiting for a monument' is how Pierre Charles L'Enfant in 1791 described the land north of the Potomac River. He would later be responsible for creating the original plan for the land now known as Washington D.C. Soon after, America's wars, including the Civil War, had a tremendous impact on Washington, D.C.'s population growth. The area gradually transformed into an Americanized city as streets were paved in the 1870's, and the first streetcars were running in the 1880's. Having already established Washington, D.C. as America's political mecca, in 1910 Congress passed a height-restrictions act. The act would serve to insure that no commercial construction would overshadow federal monuments. Over the past twenty years, Washington D.C. has evolved into a thriving cultural center.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Washington, D.C.'s historical attractions offer more than just historical appeal; they symbolize America's historical dream of attaining democratic freedom!

Washington Monument - This 555-ft, 5-inch monument solidifies Washington, D.C. as the nation's capital. The landmark is visible from practically every area of the city.

Lincoln Memorial - The memorial was designed and completed by Henry Bacon in 1922. In the center of the memorial is the solemn statue of a seated President Lincoln, who appears to be hauntingly staring out over the Reflecting Pool. The south wall is inscribed with the Gettysburg Address, and the north wall displays Lincoln's second inaugural address. The memorial was also the venue for Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.

Capitol - Viewed by many as an exquisite replica of Rome's Pantheon, the Capital also boasts elaborate landscaped grounds. Rich in American history, the building's cornerstone was laid by George Washington in 1793, and was completely built in 1826. Curious visitors can obtain gallery passes to catch a glimpse of U.S. legislation in action. For more information, contact your local representative or senator.

White House - Designed by Irishman James Hoban, the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is the most famous address in the country. Notable features of the house's interior include: the East Room, which displays the full-length portrait of George Washington, which was rescued by Dolley Madison from torch-wielding British soldiers; the Green Room, rightfully named for its moss-green watered silk wall coverings; and the Blue Room, which was furnished by James Monroe.

J. Edgar Hoover Federal Bureau of Investigation Building - If stunning architecture is what you're expecting here, walk on. Hoover himself described the building as "the ugliest building I've ever seen." Laying appearances aside, individuals working inside the FBI building hold perhaps the most important job in our country - fighting crime! Organized crime, terrorism, bank robbery, espionage, extortion, and other criminal activities are high on their past and present hit list. Tours are available which feature a visit to the FBI crime laboratory and is topped off by a live-ammo firearms demonstration in the indoor shooting range.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Evoking an eternal homage to the U.S.'s Vietnam veterans, this wall is the most visited site in all of Washington. This black granite memorial reflects not only earthly images, but also the contemplative reflections of friends and relatives of the U.S's fatalities of the Vietnam war.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial - This 7-acre memorial was erected to immortalize the 32nd president. It features waterfalls and reflecting pools. Seeking to symbolically capture the president's last 24 years of life in a wheel chair, the memorial is D.C.'s first to be wheelchair accessible. The memorial also features a bronze statue, which honors the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Jefferson Memorial - Congress proposed a building plan for the monument in the 1930s and it was later dedicated in 1943. This charming landmark was designed according to Jefferson's own taste in architectural design and houses the magnificent 19-foot bronze portrait statue of Jefferson. The Cherry Blossom season serves as an exquisite embellishment to this historical masterpiece.

Korean War Veterans Memorial - This evocative portrayal of the 1.5 million U.S. men and women who served during the Korean War, epitomizes all Americans' understanding that "Freedom is Not Free." This larger than life structure depicts 19 poncho-wearing soldiers trekking across Korean soil, attempting to reach an American flag.