The District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial is located in West Potomac Park, in Washington, D.C. It serves as a tribute to the citizens of the District who served in World War I. The memorial was dedicated in 1931, making it one of the oldest war memorials in the city.
The memorial was designed by architect Frederick H. Brooke and features a circular Doric colonnade encompassing a plaza with a beautiful fountain in the center. The names of the 499 District residents who lost their lives during the war are engraved inside the memorial.
Visitors to the District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial can take a moment to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers. The serene setting, with its surrounding trees and greenery, makes it a peaceful spot to sit and contemplate.
While visiting the memorial, there are several other attractions nearby that visitors may want to explore. The nearby Tidal Basin offers stunning views of the Jefferson Memorial and the cherry blossom trees in bloom during the spring season. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is also within walking distance, providing another opportunity for reflection and learning about the civil rights movement.
Additionally, the National Mall, with its iconic monuments and memorials, is just a short distance away from the District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial. Visitors can easily access famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
Overall, the District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial is a significant historic site that pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Its location amidst other notable attractions and its peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit for anyone interested in history and reflection.
The District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial is strategically situated within the heart of the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Nestled within the peaceful oasis of the National Mall, this memorial holds a prominent position just west of the reflecting pool, surrounded by the iconic landmarks that define the city's skyline. With its picturesque surroundings, the memorial is encompassed by lush greenery and majestic trees, offering visitors a tranquil respite amidst the bustling cityscape. This convenient location provides easy access for tourists, as it served as a tribute to the citizens of Washington, D.C. who valiantly served in World War I. The geographical significance of the District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial within the state cannot be understated, as it symbolizes the patriotic spirit and enduring legacy of the District, preserving the memory of those brave individuals who sacrificed for the nation's freedom.
1100 Ohio Drive SWWashington, DC 20242Driving DirectionsPhone: 202-426-6841Web: Link
The best time to visit District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial would be from April to September. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 68°F to 90°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperature ranges from 49°F to 73°F, ensuring comfortable evenings as well. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this period varies from 3.5 to 5 inches, which does not significantly hinder outdoor plans. Therefore, plan your visit to the memorial during the spring or summer months to enjoy the most favorable weather conditions.
Some of the activities you can do in District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Boating Fishing Cultural Demonstrations Live Music Golf Mini-Golf
Learn about these topics at District of Columbia War Memorial National Memorial: Animals African American Heritage Women's History Climate Change Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements World War II Voting Rights and Suffrage Civil Rights Korean War Vietnam War
A bookstore, public restrooms, and an interactive museum are located within the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For additional information, please contact the Visitor Center at 301-662-3515.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
A stay at JW Marriott Washington DC places you in the heart of Washington, steps from Freedom Plaza and 3 minutes by foot from Warner Theatre. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 34696 square feet (3223 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link
With a stay at Willard InterContinental Washington, an IHG Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Washington, within a 10-minute walk of Ford's Theater and White House. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 22000 square feet (2044 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link
A stay at The Hay-Adams places you in the heart of Washington, steps from Lafayette Square and White House. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 6300 square feet (585 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 800 16th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20006
Web: Link
With a stay at State Plaza Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Washington, steps from George Washington University and within a 10-minute walk of National Mall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 1666 square feet (155 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2116 E Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link
Located in Washington (Downtown Washington D.C.), Hotel Washington is within a 10-minute walk of White House and Ford's Theater. Featured amenities include limo/town car service, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events.
Address: 515 15th Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link
With a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C., you'll be centrally located in Washington, a 6-minute walk from National Mall and 11 minutes by foot from Jefferson Memorial. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 36000 square feet (3344 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).
Address: 1330 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link
With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom in Washington (Foggy Bottom), you'll be steps from George Washington University and 7 minutes by foot from World Bank. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 760 square feet (71 square meters), including conference space. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 515 20th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052
Web: Link
With a stay at Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House, you'll be centrally located in Washington, a 6-minute walk from White House and 12 minutes by foot from National Mall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 1351 square feet (126 square meters), including a meeting room.
Address: 1729 H Street N.W., Washington, District of Columbia 20006
Web: Link
A stay at Hotel Hive places you in the heart of Washington, steps from George Washington University and 5 minutes by foot from Watergate Complex. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and luggage storage.
Address: 2224 F Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link
With a stay at Trump International Hotel Washington DC, you'll be centrally located in Washington, a 5-minute walk from Ford's Theater and 12 minutes by foot from CityCenterDC. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has 38000 square feet (3530 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-27 | Abraham Lincoln's Birthday to be Observed at the Lincoln Memorial on Feb. 12 The National Park Service and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee will observe the 217th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10:45 a.m. More |
| 2026-01-26 | National Park Service seeks public comment on plan for future of the Tidal Basin The National Park Service is accepting public comment on a Development Concept Plan and Environmental Assessment that will guide the long-term management of the Tidal Basin, focusing on transportation, conservation, tree preservation, protection of natural and cultural resources, visitor experience, recreation, infrastructure, security, and more. More |
| 2026-01-20 | Temporary Closures While World War II Memorial Updates Lighting, Fountains The World War II Memorial is undergoing a modernization of its fountains and lighting to address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of the memorial. Visitors may find temporary closures of parts of the memorial during their visit. For your safety and the safety of the contractors, please respect any area closures you encounter. We apologize for any inconvenience. More |
| 2026-01-16 | National Park Service Announces Opportunity for Communications Infrastructure Plan on the National Mall and Surrounding Park Areas The National Park Service invites qualified entities to submit a proposal to develop communications infrastructure within the National Mall and surrounding park areas in Washington, D.C. Proposals must be submitted by Thursday, Feb. 16, 2026. More |
| 2026-01-08 | National Park Service Announces Closure, Construction at the World War II Memorial The National Park Service announced today the World War II Memorial will close on January 9 ahead of a construction project to modernize fountains and lighting at the memorial. The work will address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of one of the nation’s most visited memorials. More |
| 2026-01-05 | National Park Service Awards New Contract for Food and Retail Services on the National Mall The National Park Service has awarded a new contract to operate food, beverage, and retail kiosks on the National Mall to Taste of History LLC. The agreement will take effect on May 1, 2026, and will run for ten years. More |