Washington DC – A History Lesson

Thanks to Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk for providing this guest post: Washington DC – A History Lesson.

Over the past 200 plus years, the United States has gone from a small country started by a group of separatists, and it has become the most powerful country in the world. This did not happen by accident. There were many intelligent people who were visionaries that helped to turn the United States into the greatest democracy the world has ever seen.

If you are interested in how this great country came to be and the lives of the people who helped to make it possible, then you will want to visit Washington, D.C. You can learn more about traveling to DC by reading some of the many travel blogs that can be found online. Here are some reasons why a trip to Washington is a fascinating history lesson.

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1. The National Mall

You have no doubt seen the video of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. That speech was delivered on the National Mall. This is the area surrounding, and in front of, the Washington Monument. It also consists of the famous reflecting pool. This area has been the location for various scenes in many movies and TV shows over the years. The scene in “Forrest Gump” when Jenny walks through the reflecting pool is probably the most famous example.

2. The National Air and Space Museum

If you have always been fascinated with flying and space travel, the National Air and Space Museum should definitely be on your itinerary. You will be able to see the entire history of both air and space travel laid out in front of you. You will be able to see examples of aircraft that date back to more than a century ago. You will also be able to see a NASA space shuttle, as well as the moon landing unit and some of the capsules they have used for orbiting the Earth. Once you visit this museum, you will be amazed to think how far humans have come in terms of technology in such a short period of time.

3. Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Memorial gets the bulk of the media attention. However, the Korean War Veterans Memorial is still something that should not be missed. Many members of the American armed forces lost their lives during this conflict. This memorial is a beautiful and powerful tribute to these men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

4. Washington National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral is a place that must be seen by all people who appreciate gorgeous architecture. This is the most famous church in Washington. It is widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece. This is a good place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds that can usually be found at many of the more famous attractions in the city, such as the White House and the Smithsonian.

5. International Spy Museum

This is the perfect place to visit for people who have an interest in international espionage. If you have always wondered how the best spies in the world were able to gather information and transmit it without being detected, this museum will give you a good education in how they accomplished this. You will be able to see much of the equipment they used.

This article was contributed by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, the most comprehensive travel search website allowing you to find the best deals on anything from flights and hotels to train rides and Homeaway rentals.