National Mall

As it has been designated by the National Park Service, the National Mall refers specifically to the land stretching from the grounds of the Washington Monument to the United States Capitol directly to the east. However, commonly the term "National Mall" refers to the whole area starting at the Lincoln Memorial and extending due east to the Capitol, with the Washington Monument providing a clear division west of the physical center.

The National Mall features the following museums and monuments:

The Mall in the U.S. capital of Washington DC
looking towards the Capitol building

West of the Washington Monument:
Constitution Gardens
Korean War Veterans Memorial
National World War II Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Women's Memorial
West Potomac Park

East of the Washington Monument:
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Arts and Industries Building
Freer Gallery of Art
Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
National Air and Space Museum
National Gallery of Art (East and West buildings)
National Museum of African Art
National Museum of American History
National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution Building ("The Castle")
United States Botanic Garden

Other attractions within walking distance of the Mall include the Library of Congress and the United States Supreme Court to the east behind the Capitol; the White House (on a line directly north of the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial), the National Archives, the Old Post Office, the National Theater and Ford's Theater to the north; the National Postal Museum, and Union Station to the northeast; and the Jefferson Memorial (on a line directly south of the Washington Monument and the White House), the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to the south.

The Mall, in combination with the other attractions in the Washington metropolitan area, makes the nation's capital city one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

External Link

NPS Official Site of the National Mall

Referenced By