Originally called the Federal City on account of how it was intended to be the capital city of the United States of America, Washington D.C. has been a hub of economic and cultural activity for the entire country from the very beginning. That’s part of the reason that creating space throughout the city to honor notable Americans was contained in the original plan for what would become Washington D.C. This effort to celebrate and honor the legacy of the individuals and events that have defined the nation has resulted in the creation of countless monuments and landmarks that are located all over the capital city of the United States.
Located on the Tidal Basin amidst the cherry trees, the Gift of Friendship is a 17th century Japanese pagoda that arrived in Washington D.C. in 1957 as a gift from the mayor of Yokohama, Japan. Dedicated in 1958 in recognition of the centennial of the peaceful relations that were established between the two nations in 1854, it is symbolic of a Japanese garden, which emphasizes balance among the elements of water, stone and vegetation.
An Equestrian statue of George Washington sits in the middle of Washington Circle that defines the northern extent of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Although it was cast in 1860, the concept of creating an equestrian statue of Washington extends back to his lifetime and soon after his death. It is part of a series of American Revolution Statuary in the city and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Boy Scout Memorial is a tribute to the Boy Scouts of America. Located at The Ellipse outside of the White House, it depicts a boyscout in uniform with a man and woman by his side. They represent “American Manhood and Womanhood and the ideals they will pass onto the youth.” The sculpture sits at the location of the 1937 National Scout Jamboree and was dedicated in 1964.
The Albert Einstein Memorial sits at the southwest corner of the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences. Unveiled in 1979, the oversized sculpture shows Einstein seated in a relaxed position on a three-step bench. Embedded in the platform are more than 2,700 metal studs representing the location of astronomical objects.
These are just a few of the nearly countless obscure and outstanding monuments spread across Washington D.C. In a city whose monuments literally define the skyline but also provide a powerful means of identity and connection, there are few better places to truly see what it means for monuments and landmarks to connect audiences with the past and future of a city and country.
