Washington offers many historical landmarks for visitors to explore, from natural sites such as lakes to man-made structures like churches. When touring these landmarks, it is essential that one stops for a moment and appreciates them fully.
At the Holocaust Memorial Museum, visitors can witness first-hand details from one of history’s greatest genocides. A variety of documents, films, and artifacts are on display here.
Old Post Office and Bell Tower
Built between 1892-1899 on an entire city block, Washington’s Old Post Office was one of the city’s earliest skyscrapers. Designed by Willoughby J. Edbrooke – who served as supervising architect of Treasury Department under H.H. Richardson – it showcases his mature Romanesque Revival style popularized through rustication and arched windowpanes – each an example of its full potential in design.
However, despite its architectural merits, the Old Post Office was almost immediately despised because of its dilapidated condition. Calls were made for its demolition throughout its lifespan until its salvation in 1930 during the Great Depression by various government agencies that used its facilities.
Today, the Old Post Office is open to the public and hosts events such as free concert series on Thursday evenings hosted by General Services Administration as well as national holidays such as Memorial Day or other special occasions when their Congressional Bells ring out across Washington DC. Their 315-foot clock tower provides another stunning view of DC after Washington Monument while they’re maintained and open for use by GSA – so come visit for yourself!
Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park lies atop a bluff overlooking Puget Sound and was once home to a complex system of coastal defenses which protected Puget Sound’s entrance. Today, nearly 90 historic buildings from this 19th-century military base remain and have been converted into trade schools, art performance halls, satellite college campuses, guest accommodations and more.
Hike one of the 12 miles of trails – including two that are accessible for people with disabilities – to discover the natural beauty of this gorgeous park. Or walk through an abandoned network of military bunkers and tunnels and picture what it would have been like being stationed here during wartime.
Bring the kids along to learn military history at the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum. In addition, the park features two tennis courts with equipment available for rental; also included is a pier providing access to fishing and boating on the lake; plus there is a large sandy beach ideal for picnicking and making sandcastles!
Whitman Massacre National Historic Site
The monument is an emotional place to visit, with its story still having lasting effects today. To preserve and communicate this historical narrative and its ongoing impact, the National Park Service has formed a partnership with Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation in order to further share this narrative and continue telling its tale.
Marcus Whitman and Narcissa Prentiss Whitman were among 11 individuals killed at Waiilatpu Mission in November 1847, sparking widespread fear and hostility for white settlers across the nation and leading Congress to declare Oregon a U.S Territory.
Visitor center displays at this site feature a wax tableau depicting a scene between Whitmans and Native Americans meeting, and more tasteful depiction without graphic depictions such as using words such as “massacre”. In addition, there is the Great Grave where Whitmans and other massacre victims are interred along with recreated Oregon Trail wagons located nearby; nearby stands the museum which contains many artifacts.
Nez Perce National Historical Park
The Nez Perce National Historical Park is a distinctive unit in the National Park System. Comprised of 38 sites spread across four states (Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) within their traditional homeland of the Nez Perce people, its uniqueness stands out.
Nimiipuu, or Nez Perce, were native inhabitants of the inland Northwest for millennia, living off fishing rivers, hunting game, gathering roots and berries from their surroundings, and traveling vast distances via horse. Horses became essential parts of their lifestyle during this era as they allowed for greater mobility between villages.
The Nez Perce National Historical Park commemorates the history, culture and stories of the Nimiipuu while protecting sites where they lived and traveled. From Spalding’s Nez Perce Museum and Park Headquarters to Wallowa Lake’s Old Chief Joseph Gravesite near Wallowa Lake – Oregon there are plenty of opportunities for learning more about their past and culture.
