Memorials

Washington was built to be a capital from the start and memorials quickly became a feature of the city. Many more have been added over the years - and here is a selction of the most famous.
	Arlington National Cemetery Once the home of Confederate commander, Robert E Lee; Arlington House surmounts this grassy hill overlooking the city. Its selection is a military cemetery was partly in spite, to prevent its further use by the defeated general. But it is now a unifying image for the American people. Arlington is not in the state of Washington DC, but in Virginia - just across the Potomac. You can reach it on foot across the bridge from the Lincoln Memorial, or travel there on the metro (Arlington has its own station).
	John F. Kennedy Grave For most non-Americans, Arlington's most famous moment was when John F Kennedy was laid to rest here on a November day in 1963. The JFK grave is still the most visited section of the grounds, though most visits also include a pause at the tomb of the unknown soldiers, with its permanent honour guard (changed hourly). JFK's assassinated brother, Bobby, is remembered with an almost insignificant memorial on a nearby lawn.
	Challenger Memorial Another earth-stopping moment recalled by a stone, not far from the tomb of the unknown soldier, is the memorial to victims of space shuttle Challenger.

Vietnam Veterans 'wall' The most visited of Washington's monuments; this black granite surface carries the names of over 58,000 American victims of the Vietnam War. Its reflective surface creates a special intimacy as you walk alongside it and adds depth to the scene when you view it from a distance. The 'wall' can be found close to the Lincoln Memorial (featured on separate page).
	Jefferson Memorial Temple-like and overlooking the tidal basin, the Jefferson monument stands with its back to the River. An early objection to its design was that it obscures the river view from the White House and the back of the White House does provide a finely framed view of the memorial over the grassy slope leading down from the Washington Monument. This part of the city centre is at its most popular in late March/early April, when the 600 cherry trees are in blossom surrounding the lake.