The Ellipse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Ellipse |
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| President's Park South | |
Aerial view of the Ellipse in 2007. The White House can be seen among trees in the upper center left.
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| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Area | 52 acres (210,000 m²) |
The Ellipse is a large, open park in Washington, D.C.. It covers about 52 acres (210,000 square meters). You can find it just south of the White House and north of the National Mall. Sometimes, people call it President's Park South. A road that is about 5 furlongs (1 kilometer) long circles the park. The Ellipse is open to everyone and is part of a bigger area called President's Park. Many special events happen here each year.
Contents
The Ellipse: A Park with History
The Ellipse has a long and interesting past. It has changed a lot over the years.
Early Days and the "White Lot"
In 1791, Pierre Charles L'Enfant first designed the park. He was the person who planned much of Washington, D.C. Back then, the Ellipse was known as "the White Lot." This was because a white wooden fence surrounded the park.
The Ellipse During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the park looked very different. It was used by the Union army. Soldiers kept their horses, mules, and cattle there. It also served as a camping spot for troops.
Baseball and Sports at the Park
In the 1860s, the Ellipse became a popular spot for baseball. The Washington Senators, a local team, played their games there. It was even the site of the first game between the Senators and the Washington Nationals. In 1865, the Nationals hosted a big baseball tournament. They built special stands for people to watch. Black baseball teams, like the Washington Mutuals, also used the park. However, in 1874, Black players were no longer allowed to use the Ellipse.
Even in the 1990s, the park had baseball fields and tennis courts. Today, people still use the Ellipse for sports and demonstrations.
Shaping the Park: Landscaping and Lights
The United States Army Corps of Engineers started working on the Ellipse in 1867. They landscaped the park in 1879. They planted American Elm trees around the road. In 1880, they began to shape the land. The Ellipse was created from what used to be a common dump. By 1894, electric lamps lit up the roadway.
The Ellipse Becomes a National Park
In the 1890s, Congress allowed special groups to use the Ellipse. This included religious meetings and military camps. In 1933, the National Park Service took over managing President's Park South. This included the Ellipse.
The National Christmas Tree Tradition
A special tradition started on the Ellipse in 1923. On Christmas Eve, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first "National Christmas Tree." This was a cut balsam fir tree. It was placed on the Ellipse by the local schools.
For many years, different live trees were lit around the White House. In 1954, the ceremony returned to the Ellipse. It became a bigger event called the "Christmas Pageant of Peace." Since 1973, a live Colorado blue spruce tree has been planted on the Ellipse for this special event.
Visitor Information at The Ellipse
The Ellipse Visitor Pavilion opened in May 1994. Here, visitors can get free tickets for special White House events. These include the Easter Egg Roll and garden tours. The pavilion also has an information window, restrooms, and a first aid area. It is designed to be easy for everyone to use.
The Ellipse During World War II
During World War II in 1942, temporary barracks were built on the Ellipse. These buildings were for the war effort. They were located near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The "White House Barracks" were removed in 1954.
Important Memorials at The Ellipse
The Ellipse is home to several important memorials. These honor different people and events.
- Boy Scout Memorial
- Bulfinch Gatehouses
- Butt–Millet Memorial Fountain
- Ellipse Meridian Stone: This stone is hidden under the ground. It marks where President Thomas Jefferson wanted the main American meridian to be.
- Enid Haupt Fountains
- First Division Monument
- National Menorah (displayed during the holiday season)
- National Christmas Tree
- Second Division Memorial
- Settlers (Original Patentees) of the District of Columbia Memorial
- Zero Milestone: This stone marks the starting point for measuring distances on highways across the United States.
Events and Gatherings at The Ellipse
The Ellipse hosts many annual events.
- The Christmas Pageant of Peace is a popular yearly event.
- From 1992 to 2005, George Washington University held its graduation ceremony here.
- It is the starting point for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
- People also gather here for White House garden tours.
- Sports leagues play softball and flag football games on the grounds.
- Various groups also hold ultimate competitions during warmer months.
On January 6, 2021, President Donald Trump gave a speech to his supporters. They were gathered around the Ellipse. After the speech, many people went to the Capitol building. Some of them then stormed the Capitol.
