Just west of the Washington Monument lies one of the most touching areas of Washington, DC. Constitution Gardens & the west end of the National Mall includes notable monuments and memorials, including the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial, the DC World War I Memorial, and many others. To discover all that the area has to offer, read on for a complete guide to exploring this phenomenal park area.
Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool
- This incredible landmark is the westernmost memorial at the National Mall, and is one of the most-visited landmarks in the country. A larger-than-life 19-foot statue of the president sits comfortably as the words of the Gettysburg Address are carved beautifully around it. Other features include several murals, including those that depict the reunion of the North and South and images from President Lincoln's second inauguration. Thirty-six columns at the memorial signify the number of the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death, and visitors will find plenty of additional information about both the president and the memorial on-site. The Lincoln Memorial is free and open 24 hours a day, and nighttime visitors will enjoy a spectacular view of the city from the mound.
- The Reflecting Pool is nearly one-third of a mile long, lined with beautiful cherry trees, and is located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Vietnam War Veterans Memorial
- Pay tribute to the more than 58,000 American service men and women who lost their lives in Vietnam at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Located just northeast of the Lincoln Memorial, this masterfully designed memorial is another popularly attended landmark in the capitol. Visitors often bring mementos and gifts to leave at the Wall as they ready the names that are etched in the black granite of the wall. The memorial is free and open 24 hours a day.
Vietnam Women's Memorial
- Thousands of women served valiantly during the Vietnam War, with more than 90 percent of them fulfilling much needed duties in the healthcare field. This bronze statue pays permanent tribute to these women who were surrounded daily with the toils and horror of war. In addition to the statue, which was dedicated in 1993, the memorial features eight trees which remember the eight service women who were killed during the war.
Memorial to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence
- Located in a peaceful spot next to the pond, the Memorial to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence is a simple salute to the Americans who took the first step toward freedom. The memorial features large granite blocks that include engraved replicas of the signatures that belonged to the 56 men who signed this revolutionary document. In addition to the signature, each block includes the signers name in print, his occupation, and the city from which he hailed.
Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream" Speech Commemorative Plaque
- Stand at the very spot where one of the most moving and influential speeches of American history was delivered. Located exactly where King stood as he spoke those now immortalized words, the plaque notes the date of August 28, 1963, which was the day of the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom. The plaque is positioned so that visitors will be facing the same direction that King faced as he stood before the nation.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
- The more than 1.5 million Americans who served during the Korean War - and the more than 54,000 troops who never made it home - are honored with the Korean War Veterans Memorial at the National Mall. Walk alongside the 19 granite sculpted soldiers who march on toward an American flag blowing in the wind. This stunning memorial, which was completed in 1994, typically draws more than 3.5 million visitors.
National World War I Memorial
- Nestled amidst a grove of trees, the World War I Memorial has stood as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American soldiers and Americans on the homefront during the Great War. Although the memorial is one of the lesser known monuments in the area, it still maintains an emotionally significant meaning for the thousands who visit it each year.
World War II Memorial
- Recently completed, the World War II Memorial is a long overdue tribute to the service of our country men and women, both at home and abroad during World War II. This tribute to America's "Greatest Generation" was dedicated amidst much excitement about its creation. The large memorial is interactive in the amount of involvement visitors enjoy while exploring the beauty and tranquility of the monument.
In addition to the beautiful and touching monuments located on the far western end of the National Mall, book stores, information booths, and restrooms are all available.
