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Contributor: Elephango Editors. Lesson ID: 11845
Take a virtual trip to the National Mall, where history, monuments, and museums tell the story of the United States. Explore, reflect, and create with interactive activities and projects!
It could be a giant shopping center with stores, food courts, and a movie theater. Or maybe you picture a place to hang out with friends, buy the latest fashion, or grab a snack.
Welcome to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.!
Instead of shopping, people visit to see history, honor leaders, and even make their voices heard. It’s a place where Americans have gathered for over 200 years—for celebrations, protests, and even massive concerts.
No credit card needed—just curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes!
Journey through this iconic place and discover why it’s been called America’s Front Yard.
Exploring the National Mall
Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States, but it’s not in any state. Instead, it sits between Maryland and Virginia as a special district.
-11845.jpg "Washington, D.C.")
The city was designed to be the country’s government hub, and it is full of important buildings, monuments, and museums.
At the heart of it all is the National Mall—a two-mile-long stretch of green space running from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial.
Monuments & Memorials
Walking along the National Mall is like traveling through history. Here are some landmarks you’ll find.
Washington Monument – The tallest stone structure in the world was built to honor George Washington.
Lincoln Memorial – This grand tribute to Abraham Lincoln is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
World War II Memorial – A tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War II, it has pillars representing all 50 states.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – This memorial is a long, reflective wall etched with the names of soldiers who died or went missing in the Vietnam War.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – This powerful statue honors the civil rights leader and his vision of equality.
Museums & Government Buildings
Surrounding the National Mall are some of the most famous museums in the world. The Smithsonian Institution has multiple museums here, including the following.
The National Museum of American History is home to the original Star-Spangled Banner!
The National Air and Space Museum is where you can see real moon landers and fighter jets!
The National Museum of Natural History has giant dinosaur fossils and the Hope Diamond!
The U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the White House are also nearby, making the area a center for both history and modern government.
A Place for the People
The National Mall isn’t just for sightseeing. It’s been the site of some of the biggest gatherings in U.S. history.
Presidential inaugurations happen here, where new leaders take the oath of office.
Marches and protests have brought millions of people to demand change.
Concerts, fireworks, and festivals fill the space with celebrations, especially on the Fourth of July.
Now that you know the basics, test what you’ve learned in the Got It? section.
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