DC Sites

[KateH.]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to DC with a friend for a few days in May. Do you guys have any must-see suggestions? We're definitely going to Ford's Theatre and the Surratt Boardinghouse. Sadly, we don't have enough time to go to Maryland or Virginia.

Thanks for the help

[BettyO]

Kate -

I can get you and your friend into the trial room at Fort McNair if you wish -

[Liz Rosenthal]

How about the Lincoln Memorial?

Also, the Old Soldiers Home, where Lincoln and his family stayed during the summers of '62-'64, is open to tourists, although I understand that it's not easily accessible by mass transit. This is one place I've gotta get to before too long!

[Gene C]

Arlington Cemetery is inspiring

[Laurie Verge]

Definitely have Betty get you into Grant Hall at Ft. McNair. Also in doing Ford's and the Petersen House, allow enough time to visit the new education center adjacent to Petersen's. Depending on the time you have, the Smithsonian's Museum of American History can keep you going for awhile. Also check to see what exhibits might be on at the National Portrait Galley. It's practically in the back pocket of the Surratt boardinghouse, and they have been doing a lot of CW-oriented things.

As for Arlington Cemetery, they have a tram that takes you through and points out highlights. Make sure you get off at the Lee Mansion. I understand that they have finally finished their work and put the furnishings back in. Kennedy's eternal flame was moved this week so that the pipelines can be repaired. I know that's being done in time for the 50th anniversary of his death. Also try to time your visit (if you go to the cemetery) to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. When you leave the cemetery, only Memorial Bridge separates you from the Lincoln Memorial.

The Lincoln Cottage (formerly Anderson Cottage) on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home is on the outskirts of the city and requires a cab (expensive). It is cool to look at from the outside, but I have heard a lot of complaints about the interior not being furnished - and also the cost to get on a tour. I would advise to check out the details before going. If you do, the partial remains of Ft. Stevens that stopped Jubal Early's D.C. attack is very nearby as is one of the smallest National Cemeteries in the country.

If you are like most college students, don't forget to check out the bars in Georgetown... Not sure you'll find much history there except the old buildings.

[LincolnMan]

I guess you won't be touring the White House...

[L Verge]

For some reason, Bill, I think mention was made recently that some private group would fund keeping the White House open to the public. The Smithsonian is also being hit by the sequester and is facing cutting hours, furloughs, etc. Ever notice how things of educational (especially historical) value are the first to feel the cuts?

I live about three miles from Joint Base Andrews, home to Air Force One (Two, and Three), and let me tell you that the Big Bird is still firing up the engines as early as 4 am and eating up gas making the pull over my house. You have never heard a whining engine until you hear that one. The jet escorts don't help the sound problem either.

[Jim Garrett]

If you do go to Georgetown Stop and look at 1208-1212 Wisconsin Ave. This is a helf bloch from the intersection of Wisconsin and M streets. It is the site of Mathews & Company, where George Atzerodt pawned his pistol on Saturday morning to fund his getaway.

[Rsmyth]

You can also see "the steps" from The Exorcist.

[KateH.]

Bill: Unfortunately there will be no White House tour this time. They need to be booked far in advanced and we weren't sure the trip was going to happen until a few weeks ago.

Rsmyth: To be honest, I'm not sure what "the steps" are I don't really like scary movies.

Thank you all for your suggestions. It's a huge help

[Jim Page]

(05-02-2013 07:55 PM)KateH. Wrote:  Thank you all for your suggestions. It's a huge help

May I be the first to mention Ben's Chili Bowl and Hank's Oyster Bar? Also, in Georgetown, Ledo's Pizza.

I believe that Hank's was actually around in Lincoln's time.

--Jim

[L Verge]

Hank's was around in Lincoln's time (Ben's Chili Bowl wasn't). If you do get up nerve enough to eat a raw oyster, Kate, you are a better woman than I. It always looks like an eyeball in the middle of a raw egg white to me...

[KateH.]

A bit hard to imagine Abraham Lincoln going to eat at Ben's Chili Bowl

[Jim Page]

(05-02-2013 08:39 PM)KateH. Wrote:  A bit hard to imagine Abraham Lincoln going to eat at Ben's Chili Bowl

Oh, YEAH?!?!?!



It isn't Ben's but what the heck!

--Jim

[KateH.]

A bit hard to imagine Booth going to eat at Ben's Chili Bowl (you have a picture of Jesse Johnson in that restaurant?)