The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Washington: The City
National Mall and Memorial Parks
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
George Washington shaped many aspects of the nation's capital. He championed placing the capital along the Potomac River then personally selected the site. He chose architect Pierre L'Enfant to design the city. L'Enfant envisioned a capital with symbolically-placed key buildings, a cross-grid street system with intersections for future commemorative sites. At its center, L'Enfant planned a grand space known as the Mall, with the houses of government perched on its edges and a monument to George Washington at its cross-axis. The basic concepts of L'Enfant's design still can be seen today.
Slow Progress
In 1836 the Washington National Monument Society held a contest to design the monument. Architect Robert Mills proposed a stone pillar, or "obelisk", rising from a low building surrounded by columns. This design was later simplified into the clean lines you see today.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 38° 53.338′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington: The Monument (here, next to this marker); Washington: The Man (here, next to this marker); Washington Monument (here, next to this marker); John Paul Jones Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named John Paul Jones Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jefferson Pier (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Monumental Legacy (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2022, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 56 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
