Washington, D.C.
African-American Civil War Memorial
The first memorial dedicated solely to the Black troops who fought for the Union.
Places keyholeelf Wants to Go
447
Places I want to go
Places on this traveler's wishlist.
Washington, D.C.
USS Balao Conning Tower
Part of a WWII submarine is lurking outside the Washington Navy Yard parking lot.
Washington, D.C.
Flag Office Elevator
The elevator that makes it possible to fly American flags in bulk over the U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
The L. Ron Hubbard House
Also known as the Founding Church of Scientology.
Washington, D.C.
Jean Jules Jusserand Memorial
An obscure federal monument honors the French diplomat who served as Ambassador to the U.S. during WWI.
Washington, D.C.
Capital Transit Co. Streetcar Barn
Before Metro, Washington had a robust streetcar network—and you see the remains of this infrastructure if you know where to look.
Washington, D.C.
The Tabulating Machine Co.
The early data processor factory founded in Washington for the 1890 U.S. Census went on to become IBM.
Washington, D.C.
Embassy Gulf Service Center
Behind an abandoned storefront is an example of pioneering 1930s gas station architecture.
Washington, D.C.
The Sun Building
This nine-story building is the oldest standing skyscraper in D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Russian Ambassador's Residence
Was there a small "backpack nuke" hidden in the attic? JFK apparently thought so.
Washington, D.C.
National Academy of Sciences
For 60 years, the academy had no permanent location until members voted Washington D.C. as its forever home.
Washington, D.C.
Letelier-Moffitt Monument
A diminutive memorial marks the site of a successful assassination by a right-wing death squad in America's capital.
Washington, D.C.
Bootlegging Room in the Cannon House Office Building
During Prohibition, the U.S. Congress had an "official" bootlegger, with his own Capitol Hill office.
Washington, D.C.
The Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony
The fountains of the U.S. Navy Memorial are annually salted with water from the Seven Seas as part of a nautical ritual.
Washington, D.C.
Jefferson Pier Marker
A tiny monument to the unsuccessful attempt by Thomas Jefferson to place the prime meridian in Washington.
Washington, D.C.
The Highest Court In the Land
There just so happens to be a court even higher than the U.S Supreme Court: a basketball court in the building itself.
Washington, D.C.
Churchill and Mandela Call and Response
When it comes to handsignals (and colonialism) rock always beats scissors.
Washington, D.C.
Georgetown's Haunted Halcyon House
This stately mansion, built in 1787 by America's first Secretary of the Navy, is rumored to be one of the most haunted buildings in Washington, DC.
Washington, D.C.
National Cathedral Bell Tower
There’s a special club house at the top for the bell ringers.
Washington, D.C.
Washington Coliseum
A historic arena where the Beatles played their first concert in the U.S.
Washington, D.C.
Gun Barrel Fence
This robust fence in front of a historic Georgetown home is likely made from hundreds of recycled Revolutionary War firearms.
Washington, D.C.
Southwest Duck Pond
This lovely pocket park is one of the most under appreciated in D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Congressional Cemetery
The privately owned cemetery that holds room for Washington's finest when they step down from life.
Washington, D.C.
USNO Master Clock
The most accurate timepiece in the world.
