The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
German-American Friendship Garden
National Mall and Memorial Parks
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2019
1. German-American Friendship Garden Marker
"One magnificent symbol of the bonds that tie our two great peoples together is the German-American Friendship Garden...In its growth, our own commitments to the well-being of America and Germany shall be cultivated and nurtured."
President Ronald Reagan, October 6, 1988
The first organized group of German immigrants landed on American shores on October 6, 1683. They purchased land from William Penn, proprietor of Pennsylvania, and established the village of Germantown. The Deshler-Morris House (left) is also known as the Germantown White House because President George Washington used it in the 1790s while Philadelphia served as the national capital.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan established the Presidential Commission for the German-American Tricentennial. The commission's planning included this landscape designed by Wolfgang Oehme. During German Chancellor Helmut Kohl's final White House meeting with President Reagan on November 15, 1988 (above), Kohl noted the spirit of "friendship and solidarity" this garden evokes.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era •
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Location. 38° 53.512′ N, 77° 2.182′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is at the intersection of Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50) and 17th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east on Constitution Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The German-American Friendship Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The German-American Friendship Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Infantry Division Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington Monument (about 700 feet away); A Monumental Legacy (about 700 feet away); Bulfinch Gate House (about 700 feet away); Jefferson Pier (about 800 feet away); Washington City Canal on the Tiber Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2019
2. German-American Friendship Garden Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
