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The city of Washington DC actually offers more besides being the capital of the United States. Some well-known attractions can be mentioned here: the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the United States Capitol and etc. At Washington DC Travel, you will find many travel related articles. Hope you can get some ideas from them. Bookmark Us!

Washington DC Travel Tips

The capital of United States and home to the famous Washington Post, Washington D.C has many important historical and cultural landmarks related to the American history.

Tip 1 - For those interested in knowing more on human achievements in air and space can visit the National Air and Space Museum. This museum has over 50,000 items related to the history of aerospace in the country.

Tip 2 - The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum serves as a reminder to all those who deal in hate. It's a must visit to understand how hate has changed the course of history and how it impacts the human life.

Tip 3 - The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson the third U.S president and one of the founding fathers. Designed by Russell Pope this building has a neo classical flavor and was opened to public in 1943 after 4 years of construction. It has a giant 19foot status of Jefferson weighing close to 4 tons.

Tip 4 - The JF Kennedy Center for performing arts can also be visited by people who like to attend live events and watch fine entertainment. The JFK center is also serves as a center where works from prestigious institutions such as the Washington National Opera, Washington Ballet and American Film Institute are presented.

Tip 5 - People can also visit the National Postal Museum. Some of the permanent exhibits at the museum include World War 2 era postcards and communication between soldiers. The evolution of the postal services is also well documented in addition to the advancement and constant changes in postal sorting and transportation technology.
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Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle is actually the Smithsonian Institution building that is located in Washington D.C. The building is used as the administration block and the information centre of the Smithsonian Institution. The red Seneca sandstone structure constructed in the Norman style is very appropriately called the Castle.

Information on the Smithsonian Castle in Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithsonian_Institution_Building

The credit for the wonderful architecture of this building goes to James Renwick Jr., who also is the brain behind designing the St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City and the Renwick Gallery, Washington D.C. The Smithsonian Castle has the distinction of being the first among the Smithsonian buildings.

There was no doubt while selecting the architect for the building, James Renwick Jr. won by a unanimous vote. He was selected after a design competition was held for the purpose in 1846 and a year later work on the building began. A model made out of cardboard by the architect remains till this day. Washington D.C. travel guides lists this beautiful building very highly among the things to see in the capital of the United States.

The Official Website of the Smithsonian Castle

http://www.si.edu/visit/infocenter/sicastle.htm

At first it was thought about to build the Castle in white marble. Then yellow sandstone was given consideration and finally it was decided that red Seneca would be best suited. The idea was certainly good as it cost much less than the other option of marble or even granite. The sandstone was easy to work with at initial stages and later on it would harden when it was exposed to the elements. The exterior work was completed by 1851 and Renwick withdrew from the project in 1852. The interior work was done by Gilbert Cameron and the beautiful castle was ready in its fine splendour by 1855.

A good travel guide Washington D.C. would be able to give you a complete picture about this great building which is definitely an excellent piece of workmanship.

For Information on the Smithsonian Castle

http://www.aviewoncities.com/washington/smithsoniancastle.htm

Smithsonian Castle Address
1000 Jefferson Drive Southwest
Washington, DC 20560-0009

Contact:
Tel: (202) 633-1000
TTY: (202) 633-5285
Email: info@si.edu

Smithsonian Castle Hours:
Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
December 25: Closed

Ticket Information for the Smithsonian Castle: Free Admission

Website: http://www.si.edu

More on Washington DC Travel:
Dupont Circle Washington DC
Guest Houses
By Metro
Dumbarton Oaks
Catholic University Of America
Capitol Hill
The White House
National Defense University
George Mason University
National Building Museum
National Gallery Of Art
Iwo Jima Memorial
Union Station Washington DC
Washington DC Temple
Hillwood Museum
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