Washington D.C.: history, monuments and the essence of the United States
Some cities impress with their landscapes. Others for their architecture. And some, like Washington D.C. They are impacted by the history that seems to be present in every corner.
I had the opportunity to visit the capital of the United States during one of our trips and from the first moment I realized that it was a different city. Unlike other large North American cities dominated by skyscrapers and frenetic pace, Washington transmits a feeling of order, spaciousness and solemnity that reflects its role as the country’s political and institutional center.
Walking through its avenues is constantly encountering buildings and monuments that we have seen so many times in films, documentaries and history books.
One of the places that impressed me the most was the Capitol, with its imposing white dome rising over the city. The United States Congress operates there and, beyond its political importance, it represents one of the most recognized symbols of the country.
Nearby is the National Mall, a huge green esplanade that connects some of Washington’s most important monuments. Walking through that space allows you to understand the historical dimension of the city.
I especially remember the excitement of arriving at the Lincoln Memorial. Sitting in his large marble chair, Abraham Lincoln seems to silently observe the reflection of American history. From there you get one of the most iconic views of Washington, with the Reflecting Pool extending to the Washington Monument, the great obelisk that dominates the skyline.
Another unforgettable moment was seeing the White House. Although it can only be observed from the outside in most cases, it is inevitable to stop for a few minutes in front of one of the best-known buildings in the world and think about the enormous number of historical events that took place within its walls.
Washington also surprises with its museums. Many of them are part of the Smithsonian Institution and have free access, something that allows you to get closer to history, science, art and space exploration in an extraordinary way.
Beyond its monuments, I especially liked the atmosphere of the city. Its wide tree-lined avenues, its carefully maintained parks and the tranquility with which you can explore each neighborhood generate a very different sensation from that usually conveyed by other large capitals.
As I walked through its streets, I understood that Washington is not only the political center of the United States. It is also a place where a good part of the memory of a nation that has had an enormous influence on contemporary history is preserved.
As with many destinations, the monuments are important, but what remains in the memory is the experience of visiting them, stopping to observe the details and imagining the events that happened there.
Washington left me precisely that feeling: that of having walked through scenes that are part of world history.
And although I have had the opportunity to visit it on several occasions, I still remember that the first time I was there with Madelyn I felt that Washington is a city where the past, present and future seem to coexist permanently.
