National Mall Washington DC

This overhead view of the National Mall in Washington DC shows the Lincoln Memorial at the top. In the middle is the Washington Monument with the Capitol Building at the very bottom.

To the left is the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial at the left edge.

The origin of the National Mall is as old as the capital city. The open space and parklands envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant's plan create an ideal stage for national expressions of remembrance, observance and protest.

About 2,000 American elms line the Mall and 3,000 Japanese cherry trees grace the Tidal Basin.