The Landscape Architect’s Guide to

Washington, D.C.

D.C. War Memorial

●19th Street NW and Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.

☎(202) 426-6841

Your Guide

Susan Spain, ASLA

Visitors wonder about the little white Roman temple in the woods visible from Independence Avenue. The District of Columbia War Memorial honors residents of the District who lost their lives in World War I. It was a local example of response to the World War I that occurred throughout the nation. Designed to be a band shell, today it is one of three National Mall sites that hosts weddings.

Learn more about the history of the D.C. War Memorial. �

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Dedication

DC War Memorial Dedication in 1931.

Image: National Park Service

A Space for Concerts

The memorial was designed to be a place for band concerts.

Image: National Park Service

Aerial View

The DC War Memorial is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome and sits within Ash Wood, south of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool.

Image: National Park Service

Blanketed in Snow

Winter at the DC War Memorial.

Image: National Park Service

Rehabilitation

The memorial was rehabilitated through the American Recovery and Revitalization Act.

Image: National Park Service

Intricate Stone Work

Look up and see the stone work of the dome.

Image: National Park Service

Inscriptions

Names of D.C. residents who died are listed around the base of the memorial.

Image: National Park Service

Bronze Medallion

DC War bronze medallion in the center of the floor.

Image: National Park Service

Marble Carvings

Detail of stone carving on the memorial.

Image: National Park Service