• National Mall and Memorial Parks Flag Flying

    National Mall & Memorial Parks

    District of Columbia

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Washington Monument Closed

    The Washington Monument is closed for repairs due to an earthquake on August 23, 2011. More »

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.

Gay Rights and Freedom of Speech

June 17, 2012 Posted by: Julia Clebsch, Park Ranger

On October 14, 1979, the first nationally-organized mass of 100,000 lesbian and gay people passed by the Old Post Office Tower as they moved along Pennsylvania Avenue.

History, Demonstration, Civil Rights, Old Post Office Tower, Pennsylvania Avenue, LGBT
 

Cherry Tree Rebellion

March 15, 2012 Posted by: JoAnn Garcia, Park Ranger

A group of approximately 150 women, led by Cissy Patterson, seized shovels from workers, re-filled holes, and prepared for a stand-off against workers and bulldozers in order to help save the trees.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Cherry Blossoms, Helen Taft, First Lady, History, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Protest, Demonstration
 

Did You Know?

First Lady Taft

First Lady Helen Herron Taft, noted for accepting the gift of the cherry trees to Washington D.C., was also noted for beautifing the city by encouraging flower "clubs" to add plants to the landscape. More...