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Ranger Journal

About This Blog

Explore the history, culture, science, nature, architecture, and stories that link the iconic spaces in the National Mall and Memorial Parks to our nation and its people. The articles collected here are produced by NPS staff at the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

First Lady of Potomac Park: Nellie Taft

April 15, 2012 Posted by: Janet Buerger, Park Ranger

Within a month First Lady Taft had driven the first presidential auto to the new Potomac Park "Speedway," which she promptly renamed Potomac Drive, returning in hours with a plan for a Potomac Park.

History, Biography, First Lady, Helen Taft, East Potomac Park, West Potomac Park, George Mason Memorial, Cherry Blossoms, Tidal Basin
 

Cherry Blossom Centennial

March 01, 2012 Posted by: Brad Berger, Park Ranger

March 27, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the ceremonial planting of Japanese flowering cherry trees along the Tidal Basin by First Lady Helen Taft and the Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador.

History, Cherry Blossoms, Tidal Basin, Eliza Scidmore, Helen Taft, Japan
 

Did You Know?

WWIIdyk

The 56 columns that ring the World War II Memorial list the U.S. states and territories involved in the conflict. They are arranged in the order in which they joined the Union, alternating from one side to the other.