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.