All About Washington, D.C.

National Mall and Memorial Parks
Lesson plans for middle and high schoolers to learn about the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the the Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.

Supreme Court of the United States
Activities for K-12 introduce students, teachers, and families to some of the history and symbolism featured at the Supreme Court of the United States. Downloadable PDFs are available.

Washington Monument
Learn the history of the monument. Includes a timeline and a 10-minute video on the damage caused by a 2011 earthquake and how the NPS repaired this important symbol.

Dumbarton House
Historically known as Cedar Hill and Belle Vue, the house was built by Joseph Nourse in 1804. Nourse was the first Register of the Treasury for the U.S. Students can learn about life in D.C. in the early 19th century through virtual programs and activities, a family book club, online puzzles, and videos.

Ford's Theatre
The building famous for being the site of President Lincoln's assassination was originally built in 1833 as a church. It had only been "Ford's Theatre" for a few years before Lincoln's death. Afterward, it served as a government office building, a warehouse, a museum, and eventually, in 1968, reopened as a theater. Learn about the theater and the people associated with it, as well as Peterson House, where Lincoln died. This NPS site has a lot of information, and the easiest way to start may be with the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Civil War Defenses of Washington
In 1860, the Union capital, Washington, D.C., sat almost completely unprotected. By 1865, the Defenses of Washington included 68 forts, supported by 93 detached batteries for field guns, 20 miles of rifle pits, and covered ways, wooden blockhouses at three key points, 32 miles of military roads, several stockaded bridgeheads, and four picket stations. Along the circumference of the 37-mile circle of fortifications were emplacements for a total of 1501 field and siege guns of which 807 guns and 98 mortars were in place. The defenseless city of 1860 had become one of the most heavily fortified cities of the world. Learn about the defenses and the people involved.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Learn about the design and symbolism used in building the memorial.

National World War II Memorial
Learn about the Memorial design features and what they mean.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Information on the memorial to our 32nd President.

Korean War Veterans Memorial
Read about the design process and the meaning of the memorial's features.

The White House
Google Art Project and the White House have allowed a 360 Street View camera to capture the rooms that are featured on the public tour. Now anyone, anywhere, can experience the history and art of the White House via their computer.

District of Columbia Primary Sources (Library of Congress)
Selected Library of Congress primary sources with a Teacher's Guide

50 States.com - Washington DC
Facts & Trivia about Washington DC

RoadsideAmerica.com - District of Columbia
Unique tourist attractions and landmarks in Washginton DC

Awesome America - Washington DC
Loads of fun facts, photos, and travel information about Washington DC.

Washington, District of Columbia Map/Quiz Printout
EnchantedLearning.com