Summary
Washington, D.C.’s memorials pay tribute to our nation’s presidents, war heroes, and important historical figures. They are beautiful historic landmarks that narrate the rich history of our country.
The DC War Memorial, officially named the District of Columbia War Memorial, commemorates the 26,000 citizens of Washington, D.C., who served during World War I. The domed peristyle Doric temple, constructed of Vermont marble, uniquely stands as the only memorial on the National Mall dedicated to local residents. Inscribed at the memorial’s base are the 499 names of Washingtonians who lost their lives during World War I. It was dedicated by President Herbert Hoover in 1931 on Armistice Day, the day marking the official end of World War I.
Designed by architect Frederick H. Brooke, with contributions from associate architects Horace W. Peaslee and Nathan C. Wyeth, all three architects were World War I veterans. The 47-foot-tall memorial is notably smaller than other prominent monuments on the National Mall. Originally intended to function as a bandstand, the structure can comfortably accommodate the entire U.S. Marine Band.
Location and Accessibility
The DC War Memorial is situated on the National Mall, just west of 17th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. The nearest Metro station is Smithsonian, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Maintenance and Restoration Efforts
The DC War Memorial is managed by the National Park Service. For a significant period, it fell into neglect, primarily due to being one of the lesser-known and visited attractions on the National Mall. In November 2011, after a long hiatus, the memorial was restored and reopened to the public. Prior to this, it had been three decades since the last major maintenance was performed. Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided $7.3 million for restoration efforts, which included upgrades to the lighting systems, improvements to water drainage systems, and landscape revitalization to allow the memorial to serve its original purpose as a bandstand. In 2014, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Plans for a New World War I Memorial
The DC War Memorial primarily honors local citizens and, consequently, controversy arose regarding the need for a new memorial to honor all 4.7 million Americans who served during World War I. While some officials aimed to expand on the existing DC War Memorial, others advocated for the creation of a distinct memorial. Current plans are underway to build a new World War I Memorial in Pershing Park, located at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in the heart of Washington, D.C. A design competition has already taken place, with funding efforts organized by the World War One Centennial Commission.
