National Register of Historic Places listings in central Washington, D.C. facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The National Register of Historic Places is a special list of buildings, places, and objects in the United States that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for historic sites! When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its unique value and efforts are made to protect it for future generations. This list focuses on many amazing historic spots right in the heart of Washington, D.C., including famous areas like the National Mall and Downtown.

Exploring D.C.'s Historic Treasures

Washington, D.C., is full of incredible buildings and landmarks that tell stories of the past. Many of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Let's discover some of the most interesting ones in the central part of the city.

Famous Landmarks You Might Know

The Washington Monument

One of the most famous sights in D.C. is the Washington Monument. This tall, white obelisk honors George Washington, America's first president. It stands proudly on the National Mall, reminding everyone of his leadership. It was added to the National Register in 1966.

The towering Washington Monument, honoring George Washington.

The Lincoln Memorial

At the western end of the National Mall, you'll find the impressive Lincoln Memorial. This grand monument honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President, who led the country during the Civil War. Many important speeches and events have happened here, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. It joined the Register in 1966.

The Lincoln Memorial, a tribute to Abraham Lincoln.

The Jefferson Memorial

Across the Tidal Basin, surrounded by beautiful cherry trees, is the Jefferson Memorial. This memorial celebrates Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father and the third U.S. President, who wrote the Declaration of Independence. It's a peaceful spot to reflect on American ideals. This memorial was listed in 1966.

The Jefferson Memorial, a beautiful tribute to Thomas Jefferson.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Near the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial honors those who served in the Korean War. It features statues of soldiers and a reflective wall, creating a powerful and moving experience. It was added to the Register in 1995.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial, honoring those who served.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is another powerful site. It's a black granite wall engraved with the names of service members who died or went missing during the Vietnam War. It's a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. This memorial was listed in 1982.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a place for remembrance.

Arlington Memorial Bridge

Connecting Washington, D.C., with Arlington, Virginia, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is more than just a way to cross the Potomac River. It's a symbol of unity between the North and South after the Civil War. It was added to the Register in 1980.

The beautiful Arlington Memorial Bridge at sunrise.

Buildings with Important Stories

The Smithsonian Institution Building

Often called "The Castle," the Smithsonian Institution Building is one of D.C.'s most recognizable buildings. It was the first home of the Smithsonian, a group of museums and research centers. It's a great place to start your visit to the museums. It was listed in 1966.

The historic Smithsonian Institution Building, known as "The Castle."

Arts and Industries Building

Right next to "The Castle" is the Arts and Industries Building, another part of the Smithsonian. This building was the second home for the Smithsonian's collections and hosted President James A. Garfield's inaugural ball. It's a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. It joined the Register in 1971.

The Arts and Industries Building, a historic Smithsonian site.

General Post Office

The General Post Office is a grand building that once handled all the mail for the city. Today, it's a hotel, but its historic architecture still stands out. It was listed in 1969.

The former General Post Office, now a hotel.

National Archives

The National Archives is where America keeps its most important documents, like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It's a place where you can see the very foundations of American democracy. It was added to the Register in 1971.

The National Archives, home to America's founding documents.

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre is a very important, but also sad, place in American history. It's where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. Today, it's a working theater and a museum that tells the story of Lincoln's life and legacy. It was listed in 1966.

Ford's Theatre, a historic site and active theater.

The Octagon House

The Octagon House is a unique, eight-sided building with a fascinating past. After the White House was burned during the War of 1812, President James Madison and his wife, Dolley, lived here temporarily. It was listed in 1966.

The unique Octagon House, once a temporary White House.

Franklin School

The Franklin School is a beautiful old school building. It's famous because Alexander Graham Bell conducted some of his early experiments with the photophone (a device that transmitted speech using light) here. It was added to the Register in 1973.

The historic Franklin School, where Alexander Graham Bell experimented.

American Red Cross National Headquarters

The American Red Cross National Headquarters is the main office for the American Red Cross, a famous organization that helps people in emergencies and disasters. This building represents their important work. It was listed in 1966.

The American Red Cross National Headquarters.

Blair House

Blair House is known as the "President's Guest House." It's where visiting heads of state and other important guests stay when they come to Washington, D.C. It's right across the street from the White House. It was added to the Register in 1966.

Blair House, the President's Guest House.

Decatur House

The Decatur House is a historic home designed by famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. It was built for naval hero Stephen Decatur. Later, several Secretaries of State lived here. It was listed in 1966.

Decatur House, a historic home near the White House.

St. John's Episcopal Church

Known as the "Church of the Presidents," St. John's Church is located right across from the White House. Many U.S. Presidents have attended services here. It was added to the Register in 1966.

St. John's Episcopal Church, known as the "Church of the Presidents."

Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church is a beautiful Gothic-style church. It has hosted the funerals of important figures like Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks, making it a significant place in civil rights history. It was listed in 1973.

The historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church.

University Buildings with History

Cleveland Abbe House (Arts Club of Washington)

The Cleveland Abbe House is a historic home where Cleveland Abbe, known as the "father of the National Weather Service," lived for many years. Before him, President James Monroe and the British legation also stayed here! It's a great example of Federal-style architecture. It was listed in 1969.

The Cleveland Abbe House, home to a famous meteorologist.

Lenthall Houses

The Lenthall Houses are two of the oldest known houses built in Washington, D.C. They are now part of George Washington University. These homes offer a glimpse into the early days of the city. They were added to the Register in 1972.

The historic Lenthall Houses at George Washington University.

President's Office, George Washington University

This building is part of the George Washington University School of Law and sits on the historic University Yard. It's a key part of the university's long history. It was listed in 1991.

The President's Office at George Washington University.

Hattie M. Strong Residence Hall

Named after a generous donation, Hattie M. Strong Residence Hall is a women's residence hall at George Washington University. It's a place where students live and learn, continuing the university's traditions. It was added to the Register in 1991.

Hattie M. Strong Residence Hall at George Washington University.

Maxwell Woodhull House

The Maxwell Woodhull House is another historic building at George Washington University. It now houses the Albert Small Washingtonia Collection, which includes many interesting items about Washington, D.C. It was listed in 1991.

The Maxwell Woodhull House, part of George Washington University.

Images for kids

Second Baptist Church
2000 Block of Eye Street, NW
Adas Israel Synagogue
Alibi Club
American Federation of Labor Building
American Institute of Pharmacy Building
American Peace Society House
John Paul Jones memorial, part of American Revolution Statuary
American Security and Trust Company Building
Elizabeth Arden Building
Asbury United Methodist Church
Ashburton House
Auditor's Building Complex
Augusta Apartment Building
Bachelor Apartment House
Barr Building
Bond Building
Brownley Confectionery Building
Buildings at 1000 Block of Seventh Street, and 649–651 New York Avenue NW
Bulletin Building
Capitol Hill Historic District
Carlton Hotel
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Central National Bank
Central Heating Plant
Central Public Library
Champlain Apartment Building
Chase's Theater and Riggs Building
Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company Building
Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, Old Main Building
Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes
Church of the Epiphany
Fort Greble, part of Civil War Fort Sites
George Henry Thomas statue, part of Civil War Monuments
Commercial National Bank
Concordia German Evangelical Church and Rectory
DAR Constitution Hall
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Corcoran Hall
Cuban Friendship Urn
Davidson Building
Denrike Building
James C. Dent House
John A. Wilson Building (District Building)
District of Columbia City Hall
District of Columbia Municipal Center and Plaza
District of Columbia Pound
District of Columbia Recorder of Deeds
District of Columbia War Memorial
Downtown Historic District
Duncanson-Cranch House
John J. Earley Office and Studio
West Potomac Park
The Editors Building
International Spy Museum, part of Eight Hundred Block of F St. NW
Engine Company 16-Truck Company 3
Engine Company 23
Equitable Co-operative Building Association
The Ethelhurst
The Everglades (Fulbright Hall)
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Federal Home Loan Bank Board Building (320 1st St. NW)
Federal-American National Bank
Federal Home Loan Bank Board Building (1700 G St. NW)
Federal Office Building No. 6
Fifteenth Street Financial Historic District
The Flagler (Madison Hall)
Fletcher Chapel
Foggy Bottom Historic District
Freer Gallery of Art
Friendship Baptist Church
Garfinckel's Department Store
Germuiller Row
Godey Lime Kilns
Samuel Gompers Memorial
Ulysses S. Grant School
Hamilton Hotel
Harbour Square
Harris & Ewing Photographic Studio
W. B. Hibbs and Company Building
Hill Building
Hotel Washington
United States General Services Administration Building (Interior Department Offices)
Jefferson Apartment Building
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac
The Keystone (H.B. Burns Memorial Building)
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Lafayette Building
Lafayette Square Historic District
Julius Lansburgh Furniture Co., Inc. (Old Masonic Temple)
Thomas Law House
L'Enfant Plan of the City of Washington
Edward Simon Lewis House
Lisner Auditorium
Lockkeeper's House, C & O Canal Extension
Luzon Apartment Building
M Street High School
Gen. Robert Macfeely House
Masonic Temple (National Museum of Women in the Arts)
McLachlen Building
Memorial Continental Hall
Metropolitan Club
Milton Hall (Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis Hall)
Moran Building
Morrison and Clark Houses
Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon Square Historic District
Mount Vernon Triangle Historic District
Mullett Rowhouses
Munson Hall
Myrene Apartment Building
National Academy of Sciences
National Bank of Washington, Washington Branch
National Mall
National Metropolitan Bank Building
National Portrait Gallery
National Savings and Trust Company
National Union Building
National War College
Observatory Hill
Old Engine Company No. 6
Old Naval Observatory
Old Post Office and Clock Tower
Oriental Building Association No. 6 Building
Pan American Union Building
Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site
Pension Building (National Building Museum)
Peyser Building—Security Savings and Commercial Bank
USS PHILADELPHIA (gundelo)
President's Park South
Railroad Retirement Board Building
Randall Junior High School
Real Estate Trust Building-Continental Trust Building
Renwick Gallery
Rhodes' Tavern
Riggs National Bank
Riggs National Bank, Washington Loan and Trust Company Branch
Ringgold-Carroll House
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
St. Aloysius Catholic Church
Saint James Mutual Homes
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
General Jose de San Martin Memorial
B.F. Saul Building
Schneider Triangle
Second National Bank
Social Security Administration Building
Southeast No. 9 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
Southern Railway Building
Steedman-Ray House
Thaddeus Stevens School
Stockton Hall
Sun Building
Mary E. Surratt Boarding House
William Syphax School
Temperance Fountain
Terminal Refrigerating and Warehouse Company
Tiber Island
Titanic Memorial
Tower Building
Town Center East
Oscar W. Underwood House
Union Trust Building
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners-Local 132
United Mine Workers of America Building
U.S. Capitol Gatehouses and Gateposts
US Chamber of Commerce Building
U.S. Civil Service Commission Building
US Courthouse-District of Columbia
U.S. Court Of Military Appeals
U.S. Department of Agriculture Administration Building
U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton Annex
U.S. Department of Agriculture South Building
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
US Department of the Interior Building
U.S. Department of State Building
U.S. Department of the Treasury
US General Accounting Office Building
US Public Health Service Building
USS SEQUOIA (yacht)
U.S. Tax Court
Virginia Interlocking Control Tower
Waggaman-Ray Commercial Row
George Washington University-Old West End Historic District
Watergate Complex
Westory Building
Margaret Wetzel House
Wheat Row
Emily Wiley House
Willard Hotel
Winder Building
Wire Building
Yale Steam Laundry

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National Register of Historic Places listings in central Washington, D.C. Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.