In L’Enfant’s original plan for the new capital of the United States, the Mall was conceived as a grand boulevard lined with diplomatic residences of elegant, Parisian architecture. L’Enfant’s plan was never fully realized, but it is nevertheless a moving sight – this grand, tree-lined expanse is bordered on either side by the Smithsonian museums and features the Capitol at its eastern end and the Washington Monument at its western end.

This dramatic formal version of the Mall did not materialize until after World War II. Until then the space was used for everything from a zoo to a railroad terminal to a wood yard. The Mall forms a vital part of the history of the United States. Innumerable demonstrators have gathered at the Lincoln Memorial and marched to the US Capitol.

The Pope said Mass here, African-American soprano Marian Anderson sang here at the request of first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “ I have a dream” speech here.