The original building was designed by James Hoban, begun in 1792 and completed in 1800, when President John Adams and his family moved in. The current incarnation represents many modifications and additions. Some of the public rooms are open to visitors for self-guided tours, Tue-Sat, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Passes are required during peak visiting season (from the third Tuesday in March until the Saturday before Labor Day). They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the nearby visitors' center (located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets).

After many disagreements and a series of compromises, a design for the building was finally selected that blended elements from several proposals. The cornerstone was laid by President Washington in 1793. The building was completed in 1811, but burned by the British in the War of 1812. Reconstruction, begun in 1815, was completed in 1819. The Rotunda and first dome were added and completed in 1826. In the 1850s more changes were made to accommodate the increasing size of both branches of the legislature, as more states were admitted to the Union. Some of this work was performed by slaves and freed former slaves. The new size of the building led to a design to increase the size of the dome and to top it with a statue that was added in 1863.In 1904 the East Front was rebuilt. The east portico was extended in 1958. The Visitors' Center was begun in 2000 and completed in 2008.

This monument to the first president, standing just over 555 feet tall, is both the tallest obelisk and the tallest stone structure in the world. The view from the top is worth the long wait.

Certainly, one of the best known and most visited landmarks in the capital. The building was designed by Henry Bacon, the statue sculpted by Daniel Chester French, the interior murals painted by Jules Guerin. Inscribed on its walls are excerpts from The Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. Despite the incongruity of a large Greek-style, Doric temple to a man of humble origins and bearing, this setting is widely appreciated as a fitting tribute to a great man. it was completed in 1922. The site is administered by the National Park Service and never closes.

This simple, controversial design by Maya Lin contains the engraved names of 58,175 men and women who lost their lives in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. More than 3 million people visit this moving and eloquent monument every year.

Designed by Friedrich St. Florian, this memorial was dedicated on May 29, 2004. It honors all the men and women who served in the armed forces and supported the effort to win WW II. The 7-acre site stands between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument on the National Mall. The elaborate design, which consists of pillars, arches and a pool, is managed by the National Park Service and open around the clock.

This classical structure honors the nation's third president and author of the Declaration of Independence. It was dedicated on the 20oth anniversary of Jefferson's birth (April 19, 1943). The choice of another Beaux-Arts design drew criticism even at the time of its construction. The structure houses a large bronze statue of Jefferson. The interior contains inscribed quotations from his private and public writings.

In this little plane, Charles Lindbergh completed the first trans-Atlantic flight in 1927. This is but one of dozens of famous aircraft found in the popular Air and Space Museum.

The National Archives retains and places on view documents important to the nation's founding, including: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.

Replica of a Holocaust train boxcar used by Nazi Germany to transport Jews and other victims during World War II. The replica is located inside the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.

At the time of Lincoln's presidency, this house was known as the Anderson Cottage and located on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home. This house served as a summer retreat for the family, much as Camp David does for presidents today. The house is now a National Monument.

An example of tax dollars that really work. The D.C. Metro is clean, quiet, affordable and dependable. Use it, you'll enjoy it.

Come see U.S. currency being printed and stacked by the millions.

This center was built to honor the memory of John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. The building is home to the National Symphony, jazz, theater, dance and other performances throughout the year.

The Kennedy Center hosts performances of all kinds throughout the year. Check the Calendar of Events for listings and ticket information.

After leaving the presidency in 1921, Wilson retired to this home where he lived the last three years of his life. The building is now the only presidential library in the nation's capital.

The museum, designed by Gordon Bunshaft and opened in 1974, encompasses 60,000 feet of exhibit space inside and a four-acre sculpture garden outside. The museum's collection is comprised of more than 11,500 contemporary works, including works by such luminaries as Henry Moore, Willem de Kooning, Auguste Rodin, Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin, Alberto Giacometti, Picasso, Andy Warhol. Damien Hirst, deKooning, Matisse and hundreds of others.

Arlington Cemetery was founded during the Civil War on the grounds of the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, whose mansion is seen in the background. The cemetery is the resting place of more than 300,000 veterans and slain President John F. Kennedy.

Lafayette Park is located across the street from the White House.

The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian.