History & Culture

As a landscaped, commemorative road, the George Washington Memorial Parkway is dotted with memorials and places with nationally significant history. Read more about some of the people, places, and stories behind the sites you can visit when you come to the parkway.

History Along the Parkway

Alexandria Waterfront
Alexandria Waterfront

The George Washington Memorial Parkway passes through one of America's most historic cities.
Fort Hunt Park
Fort Hunt Park

Built during the Spanish-American War, Fort Hunt has a long history through World War II and is a popular recreation area today.
Jones Point Park
Jones Point Park

A recreation park in Alexandria, Virginia, Jones Point is home to an old riverine lighthouse.
Arlington Memorial Bridge
Arlington Memorial Bridge and Avenue

Arlington Memorial Bridge is more than a bridge: it is a physical and symbolic link between the reunited North and South.
Netherlands Carillon
Netherlands Carillon

The Netherlands Carillon is a symbol of freedom and friendship between the Netherlands and the U.S.
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Parkway history

Learn about the history of the George Washington Memorial Parkway
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

Dedicated to "the Marine dead of all wars and their comrades of other services who fell fighting beside them."

Legislated Sites Along the Parkway

Arlington House
Arlington House, Robert E. Lee Memorial

Arlington House was the home of Martha Washington's grandson and later the home of Robert E. Lee.
Clara Barton National Historic Site
Clara Barton National Historic Site

Clara Barton National Historic Site preserves the last home of Clara Barton.
Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo Park

Glen Echo was an early twentieth century amusement park and site of Civil Rights protests.
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park

At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep jagged rocks.
LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac
LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac

A landscape of serpentine paths, white pines, a granite monolith, and an open meadow honors LBJ.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island

An island that is also a memorial to America’s 26th president.