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Know Your Monuments: D.C. Presidents Edition

The nation's capital is home to many of the country's most iconic monuments and memorials, including some that are dedicated in honor of U.S. presidents. People come from all over the United States and the world to see these places up close. Presidential monuments (and national parks) can take the form of many different shapes, sizes, and names.

If you were walking around Washington, D.C., would you be able to identify whose monument you were looking at? Test your ability to recognize these presidential monuments and memorials that are also national parks!

Very tall obelisk monument in a city
This presidential monument towers above the rest and can been seen throughout the city...and from all the other memorials on this list.

NPS Photo



Stone monolith on a memorial plaza surrounded by trees
A first lady known for her urban beautification efforts helped design this memorial dedicated in honor of her husband.

NPS Photo



Aerial view of a long memorial surrounded by cherry blossom trees on a peninsula
Trace a presidency through several terms as you walk across this memorial.

Courtesy of Carol M. Highsmith



Classical-style temple memorial at the end of a long reflecting pool
This presidential memorial is one of the most recognized and most visited national parks in the country.

NPS Photo



Boardwalk over a green swamp lined with trees
Explore a "living memorial," which is also the largest presidential memorial in D.C.

NPS / Marcey Frutchey



Long memorial with statues of military and politicians under a metal tapestry
At one of the newest memorials in D.C., walk through the life of this U.S. president.

Courtesy of Alan Karchmer  OTTO. Memorial design by Gehry Partners, LLP; sculpture by Sergey Eylanbekov; tapestry by Tomas Osinski


Classical-style domed temple memorial next to a tidal basin
This presidential memorial reflects this U.S. president's appreciation for architecture.

NPS / Diana Bowen



Roadway paralleling a river passing under a traffic circle connected to a bridge leading into downtown D.C.
One U.S. president has two memorials in D.C.—or at least a second memorial that crosses into D.C.

NPS Photo



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Last updated: January 18, 2021