Washington DC History Tour

The Capitol Building is the home of both houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Construction began on the Capitol Building as early as 1792 and it was damaged by the British in the 1812 war. The iconic Dome was built during the Civil War from 1861-1865, and early pictures of victorious Union troops show them marching towards the building along Pennsylvania Avenue. Although the tour does not visit the actually chambers, it provides a fascinating insight into the history of the US Government.

The National Museum of African-American History & Culture covers the diverse African American experience and how it helped shape the nation. There are sections which celebrate achievements in sport, music, film, literature and politics, as well as a very sobering section on slavery and the long road to Freedom from the Civil War right the way through the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s.

Arlington National Cemetery is where the US armed forces have buried their dead since the Civil War times. In fact, the grounds of the cemetery were appropriated from the Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and Arlington House was formerly his home. A walking tour visits the most important locations, include the Gravesite of President Kennedy, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and others such as the grave of Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated US soldiers of WW2.

Ford’s Theatre was where President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes-Booth at the end of the Civil War. The theatre has been preserved much as it was on that fateful evening in April 1865. You can see the presidential box where Lincoln was sitting and also the evidence of the crime including the single shot pistol which was the murder weapon. The tour also includes a visit to the Petersen House across the street, where Lincoln died.

Visit the George Washington Masonic Monument where a guided tour will teach you about George Washington's Masonic heritage, the Masons and the influence of their values on George Washington. There is also a great view from the top.

Adjoining the Capitol Building by a tunnel you can also visit the Library of Congress. This is one of the hidden treasures of Washington and so much more than a library. The architecture in the building is stunning and perhaps the most beautiful interior in all of Washington DC. You can see Jefferson’s Library and there are often interesting temporary exhibitions situated here.

The Lincoln Memorial is the monumental memorial and statue of Abraham Lincoln which is located at the western end of the National Mall. Built in the form of a classical Greek style temple with Doric columns, it took eight years to build and was dedicated by President Warren Harding in 1922. Traditionally the memorial has been the scene of political demonstrations since the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War Protests of the 1960’s.

Get on the trail of George Washington by visiting his former home of Mount Vernon. This house and former plantation estate was his home for many years and is the location of his burial. The actual house is filled with memorabilia from Washington's time and there is also a museum that delves into the history of the Revolutionary War against the British. The grounds are extensive and there are excellent views across the Potomac River.

The National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institute is one of the most visited museums in the world and contains an extensive collection of air and spacecraft including the Apollo 11 Command Module from the first Moon landing in 1969. There is also an IMAX cinema showing regular topical films.

Situated on the National Mall, the National Archives Building is home to the US Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence which were enacted by the Founding Fathers and ratified by the Second Continental Congress on 4 July 1776. Although several copies were made of the Declaration of Independence, the copy seen in the National Archives is generally regarded as the original as it is in Thomas Jefferson’s own hand and signed by him.

The National Mall is where the nation honours it’s heroes and those who have fallen in war and a walking tour is the best way to explore. You begin at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial which commemorates the third US President and the author of the Declaration of Independence. The neoclassical architecture of the memorial resembles the Pantheon in Rome. You continue to the FDR Memorial, a sprawling monument which is designed to represent Roosevelts four terms as President, each of which has a different emphasis. Martin Luther King’s memorial is relatively recent, being opened in 2011. Visitors walk through two massive white granite halves of the Mountain of Despair to reach the Stone of Hope from which the sculpture of King emerges. Behind King’s sculpture is wall inscribed with 14 quotations from King’s speeches. Nearby you can also see the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Finally, you arrive at the Lincoln Memorial and the monumental statue of Abraham Lincoln.

Although in practical terms it is not possible to visit inside the White House, you can see the exterior both the North Lawn aspect from Lafayette Square and Pennsylvania Avenue, and the South Lawn from President’s Park.

Adjacent to the Capitol Building you can visit the Supreme Court where key decisions affecting the nation are adjudicated by the nine appointed justices. The power and influence of the Supreme Court can be affected by the political appointments by which its members are determined, and the balance of power between the nine members can have a significant impact on government and law.

The Washington Monument is situated at the heart of the National Mall and was built to honour America’s first president. The monument is newly opened to visitors after a lengthy period of renovation and the top viewing platform provides great views across the city and towards the South Lawn of the White House.