Washington DC, USA

July 2022

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and a city rich in history, culture, and excitement. It is home to a wide range of museums, monuments, and landmarks that reflect the city's significance as the center of American politics and diplomacy.

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Things to do in Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., you can explore numerous museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The best part? Admission to all of these museums is free!

For those interested in American history and politics, a visit to Washington D.C. is a must. With so many museums and monuments to explore, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the country's past and present. However, be prepared to spend several hours at each museum, as they are extensive and packed with fascinating exhibits.

Here are some popular activities to do in Washington D.C.:

Capitol Building

The United States Capitol building is an impressive neoclassical structure completed in 1800 that features a central dome towering above the building's entrance. The building is constructed from white marble and sandstone, and its exterior is adorned with columns, pediments, and other ornamental details inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The building's facade also includes several statues, including the Statue of Freedom in bronze atop the dome, which symbolizes the values of freedom and democracy that the United States was founded upon. Overall, the Capitol building's imposing exterior conveys a sense of grandeur and importance that reflects its role as a symbol of American democracy and government.

The Capitol Building is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American politics and history. I highly recommend booking a tour before your trip at the following link. The tour includes a visit to the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall, which is home to statues of prominent figures from each state. 

Main entrance

Model of the Statue of Freedom

When you arrive inside the Capitol you find yourself in a Hall full of statues of influential personalities in American History (e.g. human right activists such as Maria L. Sanford and Chief Washakie as well as innovators such as Philo T. Fansworth). This hall also includes this full-size plaster model of the Statue of Freedom shown on the left, where one is able to appreciate the details. 'Freedom' wears a helmet encircled with stars and topped with an eagle's head and feathers, the talons hanging at either side of her face. Her long, curly hair flows down her back. Her dress is secured with a brooch with the letters 'US', and she is draped with a fur-trimmed robe. Her right hand holds a sheathed sword, the left a laurel wreath of victory, and the striped shield of the United States. 

This model, which was stored in pieces for many years, was restored in 1992 by the Architect of the Capitol with funds donated to the US Capitol Preservation Commission. It was on display in the Russell Senate Office Building before being moved to this location inside the Capitol.

NOTE: this text was modified from a plate in the Capitol. 

The Rotunda

One of the first stops of the tour inside is the Rotunda, a large, domed, circular room located in the center of the U.S. Capitol. You can read more information and admire its beauty on this website. 

Painted in 1865 by Constantino Brumidi, the 'Apotheosis of Washington' in the eye of the U.S. Capitol Building's Rotunda depicts George Washington rising to the heavens in glory, flanked by female figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame and surrounded by six groups of figures. You can read more about it here.

Brief remarks on American independence

United States separated politically from Great Britain in 1776, after years of growing tension and conflict over issues such as taxation, representation, and governance. One of the key incidents leading up to the American Independence was the Boston Tea Party in 1773, when American colonists, angered by British attempts to tax tea without their consent, dumped a shipment of tea into the Boston Harbor. This event, along with others, sparked a wave of protests and acts of resistance that ultimately culminated in the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. 

But who is George Washington and why is he depicted in the Rotunda in several paintings (and why is the capital of the United States named after him)? George Washington played a critical role in the American Independence and Revolution as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. He led the colonial forces to several key victories against the British, including the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton, and his leadership and strategic acumen were crucial to the success of the American Revolution. Washington also played a pivotal role in the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution and served as the country's first President from 1789 to 1797. 

Paintings on Rotunda walls

Four revolutionary period scenes from the American Independence were commissioned by Congress from John Trumbull in 1817 and placed in the Rotunda between 1819 and 1824.

The painting on the right is 'General George Washington Resigning His Commission' where George Washington is depicted resigning his post as the leader of the Continental Army after the American Revolutionary War in December 1783. At the time, many people feared that the United States would become a military dictatorship, with Washington as its leader. By resigning his commission and returning to his farm at Mount Vernon, Washington set an important precedent for future American presidents to relinquish their military power and return to civilian life after their terms in office, converting it into a hallmark of American democracy. 

The Crypt

After the Rotunda, we headed to the Crypt, which is a vaulted space beneath the Rotunda with a resemblance to similar areas in churches, which were often used for chapels and tombs. Directly beneath the Crypt, there is a space where Congress had hoped to place the remains of George and Martha Washington. However, their graves remained at their home in Mount Vernon in line with their wishes, therefore, no one is buried in the Capitol. The Crypt has a bright sense of light due to its Forty Aquia Creek sandstone columns in the Doric style supporting the floor above, which were installed in the 1820s under architect Charles Bulfinch, who completed the construction of the Capitol in 1826.

In the Crypt we find 13 statues from the National Statuary Hall Collection, representing the 13 original colonies, and the Magna Carta replica and display. 

Magna Carta

In 1215, King John of England was compelled by his barons to sign the Magna Carta, which established basic rights and liberties, limited the government's powers, and became a foundation for individual rights. The principles of Magna Carta influenced the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution, and of the 13 copies originally written, only four survive (1 at Lincoln Cathedral, 1 at Salisbury Cathedral, and 2 in the British Library). In honor of 200 years of American independence, the British Parliament loaned the 1215 Wyems copy of the Magna Carta to the United States in 1976, but the original copy eventually returned to Britain and in the Capitol remains a replica. 
Magna Carta replica

National Statuary Hall

In the tour you can also visit the National Statuary Hall, a chamber between the Rotunda and the House wing. In the 19th century, this chamber was set to have statues from all states in United States. However, as more statues were being introduced, the aesthetic appearance of the Hall began to suffer from overcrowding, holding 65 statues in 1933. The structure of the chamber would not support the weight of any more status and thus, in February 1933, Congress passed a Resolution to relocate the existing statues and determine that each state could place only one statue. Nowadays, each state can decide to change its figure representing the state in this chamber. If you're interested, you can learn more about the statues in the Capitol building here. 

Corinthian columns

These are the main highlights of the tour. Something that caught my attention were the Corinthian columns inside the corridors and chambers of the Capitol. These had clearly a Greek influence on the Corinthian order, which are the most ornate, slender, and sleek of the three Greek orders. The columns included figures of classical acanthus leaves, thistles, native American tobacco plants, and corn, as shown below. 

National Statuary Hall

The Old Supreme Court Chamber is the first room constructed for the use of the nation's highest judiciary body and was used by the Court from 1810 until 1860.
Corncob columns, designed ca. 1808 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe

The National Mall

The National Mall is a large park located in the heart of Washington D.C. that is home to many of the city's famous monuments and landmarks. It's highly recommended to take a walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, which is around 3.5km (2.1 miles) and takes approximately 40 minutes without stopping, according to Google Maps. Along the way, you'll come across several notable landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the National World War II Memorial, and several other war memorials. The walk will also take you past the Smithsonian Museums, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, both of which are worth visiting. As you approach the Lincoln Memorial, you'll see the Reflecting Pool, which offers a stunning reflection of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Finally, you'll arrive at the Lincoln Memorial, where you can see the famous statue of Abraham Lincoln and read his speeches, including the Gettysburg Address. Nearby, you can also visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Overall, taking a walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial is a pleasant and educational experience that showcases some of the city's most significant landmarks and monuments. Learn more about them in the description of the pictures below!Regenerate response

The Washington Memorial was built in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States

From the Capitol, start your journey going west towards the Lincoln Memorial. On your way, you will find yourself in a park and if you look back, you'll have this beautiful view of the Capitol Dom surrounded by trees

The Smithsonian Institution Castle was built in 1855 as the administrative headquarters for the institution. Its Gothic Revival style design features turrets, towers, and intricate carvings. Today, it serves as a popular starting point for visitors and hosts several exhibits on the history of the Smithsonian.

World War II Memorial (behind- Washington memorial) - built to honor the millions of Americans who served during the Second World War.  The memorial consists of 56 pillars, representing U.S. states and territories, and a pair of small triumphal arches for the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, surrounding an oval plaza and fountain.

The Korean War Memorial features 19 stainless steel statues (shown) depicting soldiers from different branches of the U.S. military, as well as a reflecting pool and a mural wall featuring images from the war. The Korean War was a conflict between North and South Korea that lasted from 1950 to 1953. The United States and other countries provided military assistance to South Korea, and the war ended with an armistice, but no formal peace treaty was ever signed.

View from the Lincoln Memorial: the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument. 

Lincoln Memorial - symbol of freedom and democracy and honors the 16th President of the United States

Martin Luther King Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is located in West Potomac Park near the National Mall. 

The memorial features a 30-foot statue of Martin Luther King, designed to resemble the Stone of Hope from his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The memorial was dedicated in 2011 and serves as a tribute to Martin Luther King's legacy as a civil rights leader and champion of nonviolent resistance. 

Visitors can view quotes from some of his most famous speeches and writings inscribed on the walls surrounding the memorial, as well as a large inscription of his famous quote, "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." 

The memorial is open to the public year-round and is free to visit.

Petersen House in 2022

Lincoln Statue in the Lincoln Memorial at National Mall

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is widely regarded as one of America's greatest leaders due to his role in the Civil War (find more detailed information about the Civil War in the section below about the National Museum of American History) and his efforts to end slavery. As Commander-in-Chief of the Union forces, Lincoln was committed to preserving the Union and ending slavery. In 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate states "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free," ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

While his legacy as a champion of freedom and equality endures, his policies and actions also generated controversy and opposition. On the evening of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was watching a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. when he was suddenly shot in the back of the head by John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer. Booth fled the scene, and Lincoln was immediately rushed to the nearby Petersen House to receive medical attention. Despite the best efforts of the attending physicians, Lincoln's wounds proved to be fatal, and he passed away the following morning, making him the first US president to be assassinated. 

The Petersen House

The Petersen House is a historic building in Washington D.C. where President Abraham Lincoln was taken after being shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865. Today, the Petersen House is a museum that showcases the bedroom where Lincoln passed away and features exhibits on his life and legacy. 

Petersen House in 2022

Museums

Washington D.C. is home to an extensive collection of museums that are renowned for their historical significance and cultural value. Whether you're interested in art, science, history, or politics, there is a museum in Washington D.C. that caters to your interests. Some of the main museums are located between the Capitol building and the Washington Museum. 


I went to the National Museum of American History, of Natural History and to the National Portrait Gallery (which I explain below in more detail) but would have visited more museums.

National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. is a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of the United States. The museum's exhibits feature a vast collection of artifacts and objects related to American history, including famous artifacts such as the Star-Spangled Banner. The museum also features exhibits on topics such as American democracy, the American Revolution, and American popular culture. 

The Star-Spangled Banner flag - The flag was passed down through the Pickersgill family and was later donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1912. Today, the flag is displayed at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. as a symbol of American resilience and patriotism.

Start-Spangled Banner flag

Mary Pickersgill, a Baltimore seamstress, created the historic Star-Spangled Banner flag, which had 15 stars and 15 stripes representing the states of the Union during the War of 1812. During the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, the flag flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem of the United States. 

The Star-Spangled Banner flag is not the current flag of the United States. The current flag of the United States has 50 stars, representing the 50 states, and 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies. The design of the current flag has evolved over time, but it still features the iconic red, white, and blue color scheme and stars and stripes motif that are associated with American patriotism.

American War of Independence beginnings

The beginning of the American War of Independence can be traced back to 1773, when the British Parliament passed the Tea Act. Colonists were outraged as they believed they were being forced to buy tea only from the British East India Company. In response, a group of about fifty men boarded ships in Boston's harbor on December 16 and threw chests of tea overboard, an event that became known as the Boston Tea Party.

Parliament retaliated by closing the port of Boston, dispatching more troops and suspending civilian government in Massachusetts. However, this only fueled the colonists' anger, and other colonies rallied in support, dumping tea in several ports. In Edenton, North Carolina, women resolved "to drink only apple cider, sweet buttermilk or cool spring water."

The tensions between the British and the colonists continued to escalate. On April 19, 1775, British troops in Boston marched in the darkness toward nearby Concord to seize the local militia's cache of arms and gunpowder. Patriots from Boston alerted the countryside, and at dawn, the British confronted a militia unit gathered in Lexington. During the standoff, a shot was fired, killing British colonists. This led to the start of the American Revolution. 

In 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally declaring the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain. This marked a turning point in the war and solidified the colonists' determination to secure their freedom. In 1777, the Continental Army won the Battle of Saratoga, a crucial victory that convinced France to enter the conflict on the side of the Americans. With French assistance, the American forces continued to fight and in 1781, won the decisive Battle of Yorktown, resulting in the surrender of a British army under General Cornwallis. Finally, in 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American War of Independence and recognizing the United States as a sovereign nation.

East India Company barrel as a seat in the museum - how symbolic

Banners to join sides during the Civil War

American Civil War

The American Civil War was a four-year armed conflict fought from 1861 to 1865 between the United States of America (the Union) and the Confederate States of America (the Confederacy). The conflict began after seven Southern slave states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederacy in 1861, following the election of Abraham Lincoln as president. The Confederacy was made up of eleven states that supported slavery, and their leaders aimed to maintain the practice as a vital part of their way of life. Meanwhile, the Union, which had abolished slavery, aimed to prevent the secession of the Southern states and to preserve the Union.

The war began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter, a Union fort in Charleston, South Carolina. President Lincoln responded by calling for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union army, and the conflict quickly escalated. The war saw a series of significant battles, including the first battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Gettysburg. The Union army, under the leadership of generals like Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman, gradually gained the upper hand, and the Confederacy began to collapse. Finally, on April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate army, surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the war. The conflict resulted in the deaths of approximately 620,000 soldiers and civilians and had a profound impact on the course of American history.

United States during the Second World War

The United States played a crucial role in the Second World War (1939-1945). Initially, the US remained neutral, but after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the country officially entered the war. The US provided massive military and economic aid to its allies, including the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, and became the world's largest producer of military equipment.

In 1942, the US began a major military buildup, which included the conscription of millions of men into military service. The country also implemented measures to mobilize its resources and ensure maximum production of war materials. Women entered the workforce in large numbers to replace men who had gone to war. Rationing was implemented to ensure that essential goods such as food, gasoline, and rubber were available for the war effort. The US military was involved in major campaigns in both Europe and the Pacific. The war brought about significant social changes, including the advancement of civil rights for African Americans and other minorities. The military was desegregated, and African Americans served in various roles, including combat units. The war also paved the way for the post-war economic boom and the rise of the US as a global superpower.

Poster during the Second World War, mentioning the American Independence as a symbol of their fight for freedom. Despite gaining independence from Britain in 1783 (Treaty of Paris), the year 1778 marked a turning point in the American War of Independence due to the Treaty of Alliance between the US and France, which brought much-needed military and financial aid to the struggling colonial army.

National Museum of Natural History


The National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. is a world-renowned museum that showcases a vast collection of specimens and artefacts related to natural history and the sciences. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to gems and minerals, as well as human culture and evolution, ocean life, and the biodiversity of the planet.

One of my favourite exhibits was the section on different habitats displayed in separate rooms, which highlighted the evolution of hominids, habitat destruction, and the vulnerability of the ocean. For instance, it showcased the plight of the vaquita in Mexico, which is almost extinct. The museum's collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in natural history and science. I loved my visit to the National Museum of Natural History and spent several hours exploring its fascinating exhibits (go early, museums close at 5pm!).

Museum's main entrance showcases with statue of an Elephant

Turtle's skeleton

Hominids

This is the hominid family tree, is a visual representation of the evolutionary history of humans and their ancestors. The tree starts with the earliest known human-like species, such as Sahelanthropus tchadensis (6 Mya, Andripethecus group), and branches out to include other extinct species such as Australopithecus afarensis (3 Mya) and Homo erectus (1.5 Mya), as well as modern humans, Homo sapiens.

The human tree of life is an important tool for scientists to understand the origins and evolution of the human species. As more fossils are discovered and genetic studies are conducted, the human tree of life continues to evolve and change.

The museum includes representations of each species such as shown below. 

Female Homo erectus.  This hominid species had a more prominent nose and  braincase than precedent species. 

Homo floresiensis lived in Asia  (Island of Flores and Indonesia) about 700,000-50,000 years ago.  Adults stood 106cm tall and weighted 29kg on average. They were discovered in 2003 by a team of Australian and Indonesian scientists.

Walking upright

The shift to walking on two legs rather than four began by at least 6Mya. In the museum, you can see Lucy's skeleton, a 3.2Mya Australopithecus afarensis found in Hadar, Ethiopia. Lucy combines apelike and humanlike features that enabled her to climb trees but also walk on the ground:

Apelike

Humanlike

This flexibility enabled her species to survive in a variety of environments. 

Lucy - brown bones are real ones found and displayed while black ones are a representation of missing bones

Adaptation to climate

Humans and other hominids have adapted to different climates by developing different body types. Those adapted to warmer climates tend to have narrow bodies, which facilitate heat dissipation, and long legs, which help to reduce heat buildup. In contrast, hominids adapted to colder climates, like the Neanderthals, tend to have broader bodies, which help to retain heat, and shorter legs, which reduce heat loss. These adaptations allowed hominids to survive and thrive in a variety of different environments and are evidence of the remarkable ability of humans and our ancestors to adapt to changing conditions.

Adaptation to change in diet

Early humans ate mainly plants, which take longer time to digest than meat does. Long digestive tracts helped process this food. Modern humans eat a diet that includes meat and cooked foods. We can process these foods efficiently with a shorter digestive tract. Read more about this here!

Increase in brain size

Human brain size has increased significantly throughout evolution, with studies suggesting that factors such as genetic mutations, changes in diet and social behavior, and exposure to varying environmental conditions have contributed to this growth. Of these factors, climate change is believed to have played a significant role in human brain evolution (shown here, Homo heidelbergensis (left) vs Homo sapiens (right)). As humans migrated to different regions and faced unpredictable environmental conditions, those who were more innovative and intelligent had a better chance of survival and passing on their genes. This led to an increase in brain size over time, making climate change a crucial factor in human brain evolution.

While human brain size enlargement results in human infants being born with a relatively larger head, the size of the female pelvis remained relatively constant throughout hominid evolution, making natural childbirth challenging. While medical interventions like cesarean sections have helped in modern times, natural childbirth still presents challenges. Scientists believe that to adapt to the larger brain size, humans have developed prolonged childhood and dependency on caregivers in early stages, while the infant brain continues to develop (see in more detail the scientific background here). 


To learn more about hominid evolution and the similarities and differences with our anscestral species, I highly recommend this talk from Dr. Carmody.

Other animals

In other sections of the museum, you can learn about the ecology and evolution of other animal kingdoms and the dynamic of different habitats. Beneath you have two examples of what I learnt in the museum.

What keeps the sea otter warm and dry? They have a thick, water-repellent coat that insulates them from cold coastal waters.  Sea otters also generate warmth and energy by eating a lot of sea urchins and other invertebrates. They consume 3x as much as similar size human (a 6-year-old).

What happens when  a Giraffe lowers its head to drink? Blood rushes down the veins to the brain, and would cause the animal to lose conciousness. But this doesn't happen, why? Giraffes have developed special neck valves that stop blood flowing to the brain! 

Washington Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, commonly referred to as the Washington Zoo, is a world-renowned zoo located in Washington, D.C. The zoo is home to over 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species, including giant pandas, elephants, lions, tigers, and gorillas. The zoo is also dedicated to conservation efforts and education, with programs focused on wildlife preservation, habitat restoration, and public outreach. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibits and activities, such as animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and seasonal events. 

Summer in Washington DC

Summer in Washington DC can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the high 80s or even 90s. If you plan to walk the National Mall during this time, be sure to pack plenty of water as the park can be quite sunny and shade may be limited. While there are some vendors offering water for a dollar, it's important to note that these bottles may have been refilled (you can notice if they are unsealed). However, they can come in handy when you finish touring a museum, as outside drinks are not allowed inside them. Overall, staying hydrated is crucial when visiting the National Mall during the summer months.

I survived warm temperatures on iced coffee

Hiking Old Rag Mountain

While visiting friends in Washington DC, we ventured out to Old Rag Mountain, a beloved hiking destination located two hours away by car. The hike provided an enjoyable challenge with its rock scrambles and boulder fields, and culminated in stunning scenic views from the top.

It's important to note that you are required an entry ticket to the park during summer months (March-November) on the park's website. The fee is only $1, and it is in place to protect the site and prevent overcrowding. So, don't forget to obtain your ticket before heading out on the hike!

Once you're all set, start your hike at the Old Rag Parking Lot and Ranger station!  To reach the summit of Old Rag Mountain, start by following the marked trail through the woods from the parking lot up to the ridge line. The final stretch of the hike features rocky terrain and rock scrambles, offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching the top, hikers can savor a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For the descent, take a different route with a mix of steep pathways and rock scrambles.

While on the hike, keep an eye out for wildlife such as snakes. During our hike, we encountered a snake on the path. We were unsure if it was venomous, and we took precautions to avoid getting too close and waited for it to leave. Be sure to watch your step and exercise caution during the hike. To learn more about snakes in the area, visit this section of the park's website for additional information.

Start of the hike, going through the forest

Views from the top of Old Rag Mountain

Here are some details of the hike:


Tips:

Here is the hiking path recorded by my Garmin. The beginning and end of the hike are marked in red (although I forgot to activate my watch at the start, so ignore the green marker). The colors in the path show the elevation. After hiking uphill for 6 kilometers, you will reach the summit, followed by a slower descent.

After-hike recommendation

If you are hungry after the hike, I recommend going to Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen, where they have amazing pizza. We tried a pizza with jalapeños and honey, which sounds and is unusual (and probably Italian people will be hating me right now), but it was AMAZING. 

Thanks to my amazing friends for making this trip unforgettable!