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A
Capitol City |
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We didn't waste time in lines waiting to get into the White House, and our agenda was determined somewhat by availability--the Washington Monument was covered in scaffolding and not open to the public, and the Lincoln Memorial was closed in preparation for the big New Year's Eve celebration. The museums alone are reason enough for us to go back sometime. With no admission fee for most of them, museum hopping makes for many inexpensive field trips. There are many things to love about our nation's capital. The beauty and history of the city are intriguing and inspiring, and the huge amount of information available is a treasure trove of knowledge. |
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Nearly 200 years old, the Capitol has undergone many changes, including a reconstruction after the interior was burned by British troops in 1814. In the late 1850s, separate House and Senate chambers were built to accommodate the growing number of senators and representatives. The cast-iron dome was completed during the Civil War, including the Statue of Freedom at the top. The beautiful grounds surrounding the building were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1870s. He created terraces that elevated the appearance of the Capitol. |
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Jefferson sold his collection of 6,487 books to Congress in 1815 after the original library was burned by British troops the previous year. The copyright law of 1870, requiring applicants to submit two copies of their publications, increased the library holdings rapidly and necessitated the construction of a larger building. It was designed in Italian Renaissance style, after years of controversy and proposals. The results are stunning. |
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) The
National Archives is where you can see the actual documents that govern
our country, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution,
and the Bill of Rights. |
How
the U.S. Government Works |
) We
also saw a copy of the Magna Carta. Written in 1215 in England and
signed by King John, it outlined basic rights that everyone has just for
being alive. The Magna Carta is the basis for English Common Law, which
was the basic form of government for all the English colonies in America.
It limited the power of the king to prevent him from becoming a tyrant.
It was the first document stating basic human rights and the foundation
for the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. |
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"Mt. Vernon was a plantation. George Washington wanted to be
a farmer, but agreed to lead the army and later to lead the country. He
didn't get to spend much time at his plantation."--Amanda |
If
You Grew Up With George Washington
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) "This
is a memorial to George Washington's slaves at Mt. Vernon. The slaves
cooked food, cleaned the house and raised the animals and crops. He had
218 slaves when he died that he freed in his will."--Amanda |
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We've seen many historic homes, but this was our favorite. Thomas Jefferson was always thinking, and inventing. Monticello was his idea of a perfect plantation home, and it does indeed have many unique inventions and rooms. |
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 Recommend
a Face |
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For Younger Readers |
For Older Readers |
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PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY TO HELP THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA
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Four
days was definitely not enough to do Washington, DC justice. There is
so much to see! But Christmas was coming and we had to move on, so we
squeezed in as much as we could. We came back later in May to finish
our visit of this fascinating city.)
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The
Story of the White House
The
Mystery in Washington, DC 