View source for The National Mall

{{Short description|Historic open-area national park in Washington, D.C.}}

The '''National Mall''' is a historic open-area national park located in [[Washington, D.C.]], United States. It extends approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the [[United States Capitol]] in the east to the [[Lincoln Memorial]] in the west and serves as a symbolic and cultural centerpiece of the nation’s capital.

== History ==
The origins of the National Mall date back to 1791, when French-born architect [[Pierre Charles L’Enfant]] envisioned a grand ceremonial space connecting the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Over the 19th century, the area developed unevenly until the adoption of the [[McMillan Plan]] in 1901, which formalized the Mall’s open design and monumental layout.

== Landmarks ==
The National Mall is home to several of the most prominent landmarks in the United States, including:
* [[Washington Monument]]
* [[Lincoln Memorial]]
* [[World War II Memorial]]
* [[Vietnam Veterans Memorial]]
* [[Korean War Veterans Memorial]]

The Mall is also bordered by multiple [[Smithsonian Institution]] museums, including the [[National Museum of American History]] and the [[National Air and Space Museum]].

== Civic and cultural role ==
The National Mall functions as a major venue for public demonstrations, national celebrations, and presidential inaugurations. It has hosted numerous historic events, including the [[March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom]] in 1963.

== Administration ==
The National Mall is administered by the [[National Park Service]] as part of the '''National Mall and Memorial Parks''' unit.

[[Category:Parks in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:National Mall]]
[[Category:National parks of the United States]]